[If an] employer has objective data demonstrat-
ing that employee exposure to respirable crys-
talline silica will remain below 25 micrograms
per cubic meter of air (25 mg/m3) as an 8-hour
time-weighted average (TWA) under any fore-
seeable conditions.
At the present, there is no known industry data to show
deminimus exposure, but flooring dealers, contractors and
installers should periodically check to see if such data are
developed.
How Do I Ensure the Control
Plan Is Implemented and Table 1
Equipment is Used?
A key component in complying with the new require-
ment and preventing overexposure to silica dust is to
have at least one individual on the jobsite who is capa-
ble of recognizing and evaluating situations where over-
exposure may be occurring. The regulation requires an
26 Premier Flooring Retailer | Q3 2017
individual to make frequent and regular inspections of
job sites, materials, and equipment to implement the
written exposure control plan. OSHA’s Advisory Com-
mittee for Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH)
has recommended that OSHA utilize a “competent per-
son” approach, were a “qualified” person is designated
to implement the control plan and to ensure compliance
with the silica regulation.
To qualify as a competent person, the individual must
be able to recognize, evaluate, and take steps to control
silica exposure. The individual must have experience in
hazards and control of silica hazards on the construction
site through formal training and/or extensive, firsthand
experience. For example, a recognized degree, certificate,
or professional standing in an occupational health, safety,
environmental, or engineering field (e.g., Certified Indus-
trial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional, or Profes-
sional Engineer) should qualify an individual as competent
to implement the silica plan. Similarly, on the job training
dealing with hazardous and silica dust and extended first-
hand experience with safety and respiratory equipment
should qualify an individual as competent.