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inspectors have up to six months after an inspection to issue a citation, so it’s possible that more violations will be associated with inspections performed during that time.
These data suggest that OSHA has not been lenient on the construction industry. And although we won’t know for sure un- til the citations begin appearing, it’s likely that the agency will be even less lenient on general industry because inspectors have already had the opportunity to get used to the new rule and its enforcement. (OSHA is currently operating under an interim en- forcement guidance,9 which details inspec- tion and citation guidelines.)
If you work in an industry where silica dust is present,10 it’s imperative that you understand the requirements and your re- sponsibilities under them. Misconceptions like the ones above put your workers as well as your business at risk.
Stephen Watkins is an Application Engineer with Nilfisk Inc.’s Industrial Vacuum Division. For information, call 800-NILFISK or visit https://www.nilfiskindustrialvacuums.com/.
REFERENCES
1. Video: “Stop Silicosis.” U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtYErK9KjQ8
2. “Safety Consultant Abby Ferri on How to Comply with OSHA’s Silica Rule for General Industry.” Nilfisk.
https://news.nilfiskcfm.com/2018/05/safety-consultant-abby-ferri-on-how-to-comply-with-oshas-silica- rule-for-general-industry/
3. “§1910.1053 Respirable crystalline silica.” OSHA. https://www.osha.gov/silica/SilicaGeneralIndus- tryRegText.pdf
4. “Personal sampling or air contaminants.” OSHA. https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_ii/otm_ii_1. html#appendix_II_9
5. “Facial hair and respirator fit.” Safety+Health magazine. http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/ articles/14401-facial-hair-and-respirator-fit
6. “Trends in ... women’s PPE.” Safety+Health magazine. http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/ articles/16194-trends-in-womens-ppe
7. “Number of OSHA workplace safety inspectors declines under Trump.” NBC News. https://www. nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/exclusive-number-osha-workplace-safety-inspectors-declines-under- trump-n834806
8. Silica Safety Enforcement Ramps Up at Construction Sites. Bloomberg. https://www.bna.com/silica- safety-enforcement-n57982091432/
9. “Interim Enforcement Guidance for the Respirable Crystalline Silica in General Industry/Maritime stan- dard, 29 CFR 1910.1053 – June 23, 2018, Enforcement Date.” OSHA. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/ standardinterpretations/2018-06-25
10. “A Quick Overview of OSHA’s Silica Dust Rule for General Industry and Maritime.” Nilfisk. https://news. nilfiskcfm.com/2018/04/a-quick-over view-of-oshas-silica-dust-rule-for-general-industry-and-maritime/
Sound Level Meters
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T: (800) 366 2966
E: info-us@casellasolutions.com
Come visit us at IOHA 2018 | Booth 405 | 24-26 Sept.
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