Page 287 - Safety Memo

• The load limit is one person per scaffold. For additional information on the hazards and control of silica
1654(d) exposures see the:
• Fall protection or railings are required. 1654(c) Hazards of Silica in Construction eTool
(www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-019/index.htm)
Silica Dust Respirable Crystalline Silica Standards Update and
FAQ (www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/respiratory-silica-
Construction work that involves exposure to crystalline silica- FAQ.html).
containing materials can cause lung diseases. These silica-
containing materials include (but are not limited to): Before beginning work that could expose employees to
crystalline silica, employers must comply with the following
• Sand requirements:
• Rock A. Know and understand T8 CCR sections 1532.3 and
1530.1. Section 1530.1 contains certain requirements not
• Ceramic and terracotta tiles
found in 1532.3, such as:
• Concrete and concrete block 1. Procedures to ensure that dust reduction systems
• Manufactured stone maintain their effectiveness.
• Roof tiles 2. Additional training topics for employees and
supervisors.
• Bricks and blocks
B. Methods of exposure control or compliance. 1532.3(c) or
• Grouts and mortar (d)(3)
• Some joint compounds C. Exposure assessments. 1532.3(d)(2)
• Abrasive materials D. Respiratory protection. 1532.3(e)
E. Housekeeping. 1532.3(f).
Exposure to crystalline silica can cause a variety of lung
diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, COPD (chronic F. Restricted areas. 1532.3(g)(1)(D)
obstructive pulmonary disease), decreased lung function, G. Written exposure control plan. 1532.3(g)
increased likelihood of getting tuberculosis, and immune
system and kidney effects. Although most cases of silicosis H. Medical surveillance. 1532.3(h)
develop after years of exposure, instances of extremely high I. Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to
exposure have resulted in illness and even death in a matter employees. 1532.3(i)
of weeks.
J. Recordkeeping. 1532.3(j)
The 8-hour permissible exposure limit (PEL) for airborne
3
crystalline silica is established at 0.05 mg/m with an Action Level Stairways
3
of 0.025 mg/m (see Table AC-1 of 5155 and section 1532.3).
Hazardous work activities include abrasive blasting with sand and Stairways are an acceptable method for gaining access to floors
loading, dumping, chipping, hammering, cutting, and drilling of and working levels of buildings and scaffolds.
rock, sand, or concrete. Generally, during work on materials, such In addition to the stairways required, buildings 60 ft. or more in
as rock or concrete that contain a significant amount of silica, height or 48 ft. below ground level require an elevator. 1630(a)
continuous exposure to a visible cloud of dust will probably result
in levels of exposure that exceed the PELs. However, in some Stairways must be installed as follows:
cases the PELs can be exceeded even when there is no visible A. In buildings of up to three stories or 36 ft. in height, at least
cloud of dust. one stairway is required. 1629(a)(4)

132 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 133