Regulatory Info

Examples — Dust control methods
In most cases, dust controls such as wet
methods and ventilation can be used to limit
workers’ exposure to silica. These technologies
are widely available, affordable and already
commonly used by many employers.
A worker cutting granite using a saw that applies water to
the blade. The water reduces the amount of silica-containing
dust that gets into the air.
Photo: Alliance — OSHA Cooperative Program
A worker grinding castings in a foundry. The work is
performed in a ventilated booth to reduce the worker’s
exposure to silica.
When are employers required to comply
with the standard?
General industry and maritime employers must
comply with all requirements of the standard by
June 23, 2018, except for the following:
• Medical surveillance must be offered to
employees who will be exposed at or
above the action level for 30 or more days
a year starting on June 23, 2020. (Medical
surveillance must be offered to employees
who will be exposed above the PEL for 30 or
more days a year starting June 23, 2018.)
• Hydraulic fracturing operations in the oil and
gas industry must implement engineering
controls to limit exposures to the new PEL by
June 23, 2021.
Additional information
Additional information on OSHA’s silica rule can
be found at www.osha.gov/silica.
OSHA can provide extensive help through
a variety of programs, including technical
assistance about effective safety and health
programs, workplace consultations, and training
and education.
OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers
free and confidential occupational safety and
health services to small and medium-sized
businesses in all states and several territories
across the country, with priority given to high-
hazard worksites. On-site consultation services
are separate from enforcement and do not result
in penalties or citations. Consultants from state
agencies or universities work with employers to
identify workplace hazards, provide advice on
compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in
establishing and improving safety and health
management systems. To locate the OSHA
On-site Consultation Program nearest you, call
1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/
dcsp/smallbusiness.
For more information on this and other health-
related issues impacting workers, to report an
emergency, fatality, inpatient hospitalization, or to
file a confidential complaint, contact your nearest
OSHA office, visit www.osha.gov, or call OSHA at
1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.
This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or
standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of
compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal
Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request.
The voice phone is [phone]; teletypewriter (TTY) number: [phone].
DSG FS-3682 03/2016