Respirable-Crystalline-Silica-Emergency-Regs December 2023 | Page 11

STANDARDS PRESENTATION Page 11 of 19 TO
CALIFORNIA OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS BOARD
TITLE 8 , DIVISION 1 , CHAPTER 4
for any organic compound known to be present in the artificial stone , based on information provided in the manufacturer ’ s safety data sheet .
EXCEPTION 2 : The employer may provide employees with a loose-fitting PAPR , a full facepiece air-purifying respirator , or another respirator providing equal or greater protection where the employer demonstrates that employee exposures to respirable crystalline silica are continuously maintained below the action level through representative air sampling conducted at least once every six months in accordance with subsection ( d )( 3 )( A ). This exception does not apply if the PLHCP or specialist recommends use of a full face , tight-fitting PAPR or other more protective respirator .
( B ) A full face , tight-fitting supplied-air respirator in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode for any employees known to the employer to be diagnosed with confirmed silicosis , or who meet the definition of suspected silicosis , or whenever the PLHCP or specialist recommends use of a supplied-air respirator . The air source for the supplied-air respirator shall be located outside the regulated area and in an area that is free of respirable crystalline silica and other airborne contaminants .
( 42 ) Respiratory protection program . Where respirator use is required by this section , the employer shall institute a respiratory protection program in accordance with Section 5144 .
( ih ) Housekeeping .
( 1 ) The employer shall not allow dry sweeping or dry brushing where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless wet sweeping , HEPAfiltered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure are not feasible .
( 2 ) The employer shall not allow compressed air to be used to clean clothing or surfaces where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless :
( A ) The compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air ; or
( B ) No alternative method is feasible .
( 3 ) Feasibility exceptions in subsection ( i ) do not apply to high-exposure trigger tasks ; these tasks are covered by subsection ( f )( 2 ).
( ji ) Medical surveillance . ( 1 ) General .
OSHSB-98 ( 2 / 98 )