On Sept. 23, 2017, the new OSHA Silica Rule for Construction went into effect, with the expectation that OSHA would begin its enforcement within 30 days of said date. Therefore, it is important that construction companies, owners and general contractors are in compliance so they are not subjected to citations and fines.
To be compliant with the new OSHA Silica Rule, there is a list of things to get in order.
With more than 21 years of experience in the business, Total Safety Consulting, LLC (TSC), TSC Training Academy, LLC (TSC TA) and Safety Supplies Unlimited, LLC (SSU) have teamed up to offer expertise as a turnkey provider for a comprehensive solution to accomplishing full compliance with the New Crystalline Silica Rule.
The team provides everything you need all in one place:
- Perform an assessment and develop written exposure control plan
TSC will perform an assessment and develop a contractor specific written Exposure Control Plan that identifies tasks that involve silica exposure and methods used to protect workers. - Provide required training
OSHA requires Hazard Recognition Training for all exposed workers. TSC Training Academy, the leader in construction safety training, has developed a training program on work operations that result in silica exposure and ways to limit exposure that specifically meet the rule requirements. - Provide tools and equipment
SSU can provide tools and equipment that enable flexible alternatives to silica exposure. SSU has a full line of tools compliant with Exposure Control Methods described in the OSHA Table 1. Log on to the OSHA website to learn more. - Perform exposure assessment and recommend personal protective equipment (PPE)
When engineering controls and tools with exposure control methods are not used in accordance with OSHA’s Table 1, TSC will evaluate workers’ exposure to silica and recommend which dust controls would work best to limit exposures in the workplace. - Develop respiratory protection program
Based on an exposure assessment, TSC will develop a written respiratory protection plan, determine personal protective equipment, facilitate medical evaluations, perform fit testing and provide respiratory protection equipment.
Remember that it’s always the right time to be safe.
Be prepared and in compliance by calling the TSC Client Services Team at 201.437.5150, or email Vin Campisi (vcampisi@totalsafety.org) or Diana Striffolina (dstriffolina@totalsafety.org) for information and further assistance. Visit TSC’s website for more information. TSCTrainingAcademy.com, 718.389.2103; SafetySuppliesUnlimited.net, 201.436.4200