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Who is affected by the construction The construction standard does not apply where
standard? exposures will remain low under any foreseeable
About two million construction workers are conditions; for example, when only performing
exposed to respirable crystalline silica in over tasks such as mixing mortar; pouring concrete
600,000 workplaces. OSHA estimates that more footers, slab foundation and foundation walls;
than 840,000 of these workers are exposed to and removing concrete formwork.
silica levels that exceed the new permissible
exposure limit (PEL). What does the standard require?
The standard requires employers to limit worker
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can exposures to respirable crystalline silica and to
cause silicosis, lung cancer, other respiratory take other steps to protect workers.
diseases, and kidney disease. Exposure can occur
during common construction tasks such as using The standard provides flexible alternatives,
masonry saws, grinders, drills, jackhammers especially useful for small employers. Employers
and handheld powered chipping tools; operating can either use a control method laid out in Table 1
vehicle-mounted drilling rigs; milling; operating of the construction standard, or they can measure
crushing machines; and using heavy equipment workers’ exposure to silica and independently
for demolition or certain other tasks. decide which dust controls work best to limit
exposures to the PEL in their workplaces.
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.
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