The Respirable Crystalline Silica Entrance Danger Sign Protects Workers from Exposure to Silica Dust
Federal OSHA requires employers to limit worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica and to take other steps to protect workers from unnecessary exposure. Restricting access to work areas where workers may be exposed to respirable crystalline is one measure OSHA requires to minimize the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica. States that operate their own OSHA-approved programs are required to have comparable standards.
What is respirable crystalline silica?
Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in materials such as sand, stone, concrete, brick and mortar. Workers can inhale silica dust while performing activities such as abrasive sand blasting; sawing brick or concrete; sanding or drilling into concrete; grinding mortar; and manufacturing glass, pottery, ceramic, brick, concrete, asphalt roofing, jewelry, stone, dental, porcelain, or structural clay products. Crystalline silica dust is associated with serious and sometimes fatal diseases. OSHA has established a respirable crystalline silica permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 μg/m3 averaged during an 8-hour work day. At and above that level, an employer must take measures to control workers’ exposure.
Respirable Crystalline Silica Entrance Danger Sign – Product Description
The Respirable Crystalline Silica Entrance Danger Sign warns entrants to regulated areas of the exposure to respirable crystalline silica, warns of the potential cancer and lung damage effects, requires respiratory protection, and limits access to authorized personnel. The text of the sign is provided in 29 CFR 1910.1053(j)(2). Compliance Poster Company’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Entrance Danger Sign is bilingual.
Is the Respirable Crystalline Silica Entrance Danger Sign required?
- Required warning sign for general industry and maritime employers. The OSHA Standard (29 CFR 1910.1053) requires employers to establish a regulated area wherever an employee’s exposure to airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica is, or can reasonably be expected to be, in excess of the PEL. The employer must post the sign specified in the regulation at all entrances to all regulated areas. 29 CFR 1910.1053(e)(2)(ii).
- Recommended warning sign for Construction industry employers. The OSHA Standard (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)) requires employers to establish and implement a written exposure control plan that contains description of the procedures used to restrict access to work areas, when necessary, to minimize the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Employers may use the danger sign as part of their required procedures for limiting access to work areas where workers may be exposed respirable silica.
- Posting the danger sign is not required in workplaces where worker exposure is expected to be below 25 μg/m3 under any foreseeable conditions.
- Employers in the construction industry should consider posting the OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction Poster to facilitate employee compliance with the proper exposure control methods for common construction tasks and equipment.
For more information, see OSHA’s Small Entity Compliance Guides: