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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2003 - 03/12/2003 - OSHA OFFERS HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION ON CRYSTALLINE SILICA |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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TRADE NEWS RELEASE Wednesday, March 12, 2003 Contact: Frank Meilinger Phone: (202) 693-1999 OSHA OFFERS HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION ON CRYSTALLINE SILICA WASHINGTON -- New OSHA health hazard information cards, Crystalline Silica Exposure, will help workers and employers understand more about how they can protect themselves against exposure to silica dust. Two separate cards, available in English and Spanish, provide a quick reference and recommendations for construction and general industries. "Inhaling crystalline silica dust can be extremely dangerous and sometimes deadly," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "This card provides practical information on how to identify, reduce, and prevent exposure to silica dust." Silica exposure remains a serious threat to nearly two million U.S. workers. The most severe worker exposures can occur during abrasive blasting with sand. Other common exposures to silica dust can occur during the manufacturing of cement and brick; mixing or drilling concrete and mortar; and the manufacturing of china, ceramic and asphalt. The new pocket-sized cards identify the symptoms of silicosis and the most common causes of occupational exposure. The cards also outline ways to protect against exposure to silica dust, including recommendations for appropriate use of respirators and personal protective equipment. Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and many other materials. It is classified as a human lung carcinogen. Breathing silica dust can cause silicosis, a potentially disabling or fatal disease. Silicosis can also make exposed workers more susceptible to lung infections like tuberculosis. OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) limits the maximum amount of crystalline silica that a worker can be exposed to during an eight-hour work shift. OSHA also requires hazard communication training for workers exposed to crystalline silica and a respirator protection program. The Crystalline Silica Exposure cards are free of charge and can also be downloaded from the publications page on OSHA's web site. OSHA is dedicated to assuring worker safety and health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # # This news release text is on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov. Information on this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999. |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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