29 CFR 1926.1153: OSHA Silica in Construction

Regulatory citation: 29 CFR 1926.1153, Respirable Crystalline Silica (Construction)

What Is OSHA's Silica Standard for Construction?

29 CFR 1926.1153 protects construction workers from respirable crystalline silica, a dust created when cutting, grinding, drilling or crushing materials such as concrete, stone, brick and mortar. A similar standard, 29 CFR 1910.1053, applies to general industry and maritime.

Why Silica Control Matters

Breathing respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease. These illnesses can be disabling or fatal and often appear years after exposure.

Core Requirements

1. Permissible Exposure Limit

The PEL is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) as an eight-hour time-weighted average, with an action level of 25 µg/m³.

2. Follow Table 1 or Assess Exposure

Employers can fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices and respiratory protection listed in Table 1 for specific tasks, such as using water or vacuum dust collection. If they don't follow Table 1, they must assess and limit exposures to the PEL.

3. Written Exposure Control Plan

Employers must have a written exposure control plan describing tasks involving silica exposure, the controls used, housekeeping measures and procedures to restrict access to high-exposure areas.

4. Competent Person

A competent person must make frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials and equipment to implement the plan.

5. Housekeeping

Dry sweeping or dry brushing is not allowed where it could contribute to exposure unless wet sweeping, HEPA vacuuming or other methods aren't feasible. Compressed air may not be used to clean clothing or surfaces unless combined with a ventilation system that captures the dust.

6. Medical Surveillance and Training

Workers required to wear a respirator for 30 or more days a year under the standard must be offered medical exams every three years. Workers must be trained on silica hazards and controls.

Common Compliance Approaches

Use Table 1 Controls

Many contractors follow Table 1 because it removes the need for air monitoring when controls are fully implemented.

Maintain Dust Controls

Check water flow and vacuum filters regularly; controls only work when properly maintained.

Plan Work to Limit Exposure

Schedule dusty tasks to minimize the number of people nearby.

Example: Silica Control in Practice

A concrete contractor cutting expansion joints uses walk-behind saws with integrated water delivery, as listed in Table 1. The written exposure control plan describes the task, controls and housekeeping, bans dry sweeping, and names a competent person who checks the saws' water supply each morning. Because the task is outdoors and fully follows Table 1, no respirator is required for that task.

Related regulations: OSHA Respiratory Protection, OSHA HazCom, UK COSHH Regulations.

Note: This summary reflects federal OSHA requirements. States with OSHA-approved State Plans may have additional or different requirements. Always check the current regulation text and any state rules that apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OSHA silica exposure limit?

The permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica is 50 µg/m³ as an eight-hour time-weighted average. The action level is 25 µg/m³.

What is Table 1 in the OSHA silica standard?

Table 1 lists common construction tasks, such as cutting with handheld saws or drilling concrete, along with specified engineering controls, work practices and respiratory protection. Employers who fully implement Table 1 controls for a task don't need to perform exposure assessments for that task.

When is medical surveillance required for silica?

Employers must offer medical exams to workers who are required to wear a respirator under the silica standard for 30 or more days per year. Exams must be offered at least every three years.