Silica
Silica is crystalline quartz. It is commonly used in building materials, particularly concrete and masonry products. It is toxic to the skin in materials such as cement, and is particularly dangerous when inhaled, which can happen when concrete is sawed, chipped, hammered or blasted in building, maintenance or demolition operations. The resulting dust contains microscopic silica fibers that lodge in the lungs and eventually cause silicosis, a deadly and irreversible lung disease. Silica exposure also increases risk for lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), kidney disease and tuberculosis.
Exposure to silica is a significant danger for Laborers. Limiting Laborers' exposures to the hazards of silica, especially silica dust, is an important goal of the LHSFNA. Our understanding of the dangers of silica goes back more than a half century, and many of the worst practices have been eliminated. But the risks of even slight exposure are serious, and the Fund continues its efforts to get all silica dust out of the air that Laborers breathe.
OSHA's new silica standard went into effect on June 23, 2016, and enforcement begins September 23, 2017. The Fund’s OSH Division is already working to help LIUNA signatory contractors understand their compliance options and the rule's mandatory actions and requirements. The Fund offers several publications related to preventing silica exposure, including Preventing Silica Exposure in Construction and Face It: a Laborers’ Guide to Respiratory Protection.
To find out more about silica and the new standard, see the individual topics pages below:
Controlling Exposures with Table 1
Respirator and Medical Surveillance Requirements
Silica
Spike in Black Lung Linked to Silica ExposureOSHA’s Silica Directive Illustrates Current Compliance Landscape
Silica National Emphasis Program a Reminder of Non-COVID-19 Hazards
A Focus Four for Health Hazards in Construction
Top 10 Contractor Questions and Answers on Complying with the Silica Standard
What We’re Learning About OSHA Enforcement of the Silica Rule in Construction
The Problem with Relying Too Much on PELs
Answering Your Questions on Silica Compliance
Health & Safety Headlines
OSHA 10 & 30-Hour Courses Changed to Meet Safety Objectives
In Tribute to Dr. James Melius
As Construction Grows, Safety Is Falling Behind
Health & Safety Headlines
The Top 10 LHSFNA Articles of 2017
Diving into Medical Surveillance in the Silica Rule
Public Support for Labor Is on the Rise
Silica Rule Leading to New, “Disruptive” Technology
Watch Compliance in Action in These Silica Videos
Silica Enforcement Begins September 23rd. Are You Ready?
A Risky Compliance Option in OSHA’s Silica Standard
Criminal Charges in Fatal Trench Collapse Set Strong Precedent
“What Is Objective Data in the New Silica Rule and Where Can I Find It?”
The New Tools to Dismantle Safety and Health: Delay, Review and Repeal
Do You Have a Competent Person Ready for OSHA’s New Silica Rule?
Did You or Someone You Know Help with Cleanup after Sept. 11th?
Miss Our Last Webinar? Try the LHSFNA’s Webinar Archive
Answering Your Questions on the New Silica Standard
Getting to Know OSHA’s New Silica Standard
How Smoking Could Hurt Your Career
Demolition Safety Requires Careful Planning
Silica
Silica Resource Links
Controlling Silica Exposure Using Table 1 (LHSFNA)
Summary of Proposed Silica Standard for Construction (LHSFNA)
OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule Page
OSHA Fact Sheet on the Silica Rule for Construction
Controlling Silica in Construction (OSHA)
NIOSH Silica Page controls:
Work Safely with Silica (CPWR)
AIHA Recommended Skills and Capabilities for Silica Competent Persons
Washington State Silica Training Kit
British Health and Safety Executive: COSHH Essentials on Silica
New Jersey Prohibits Dry Cutting and Grinding of Masory Materials
CAL/OSHA Silica in Construction standard
Silica
OSHA’s Silica Directive Illustrates Current Compliance Landscape (August, 2020)Silica National Emphasis Program a Reminder of Non-COVID-19 Hazards (June, 2020)
A Focus Four for Health Hazards in Construction (July, 2019)
Top 10 Contractor Questions and Answers on Complying with the Silica Standard (December, 2018)
What We’re Learning About OSHA Enforcement of the Silica Rule in Construction (December, 2018)
Spike in Black Lung Linked to Silica Exposure (September, 2018)
The Problem with Relying Too Much on PELs (September, 2018)
Answering Your Questions on Silica Compliance (August, 2018)
Health & Safety Headlines (May, 2018)
OSHA 10 & 30-Hour Courses Changed to Meet Safety Objectives (April, 2018)
In Tribute to Dr. James Melius (February, 2018)
As Construction Grows, Safety Is Falling Behind (February, 2018)
Health & Safety Headlines (February, 2018)
The Top 10 LHSFNA Articles of 2017 (January, 2018)
Diving into Medical Surveillance in the Silica Rule (November, 2017)
Public Support for Labor Is on the Rise (November, 2017)
Silica Rule Leading to New, “Disruptive” Technology (September, 2017)
Silica Enforcement Begins September 23rd. Are You Ready? (August, 2017)
A Risky Compliance Option in OSHA’s Silica Standard (July, 2017)
Watch Compliance in Action in These Silica Videos (March, 2017)
Silica
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Occupational Safety and Health Risks of Fracking Operations (October, 2013)
Demolition Safety Requires Careful Planning (October, 2014)
OSHA 10 & 30-Hour Courses Changed to Meet Safety Objectives (April, 2018)
“What Is Objective Data in the New Silica Rule and Where Can I Find It?” (June, 2017)
Spike in Black Lung Linked to Silica Exposure (September, 2018)
A Focus Four for Health Hazards in Construction (July, 2019)
It's Not Just Dust (July, 2014)
The Problem with Relying Too Much on PELs (September, 2018)
Stepping Up: California Requires Engineering Controls for Silica (October, 2008)
Getting to Know OSHA’s New Silica Standard (May, 2016)
A Risky Compliance Option in OSHA’s Silica Standard (July, 2017)
Summary of Proposed Silica Standard for Construction (September, 2013)
Silica Hot Topic at OSHA (July, 2009)
Diving into Medical Surveillance in the Silica Rule (November, 2017)
Do You Have a Competent Person Ready for OSHA’s New Silica Rule? (April, 2017)
Silica National Emphasis Program a Reminder of Non-COVID-19 Hazards (June, 2020)
What We’re Learning About OSHA Enforcement of the Silica Rule in Construction (December, 2018)
OSHA’s Silica Directive Illustrates Current Compliance Landscape (August, 2020)
Criminal Charges in Fatal Trench Collapse Set Strong Precedent (July, 2017)
Universal Drill Jig Adapted for Commercial Building Construction (January, 2014)
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