Short answer: Your employer is responsible for jobsite exposure controls and required workplace training. Ask which dust, noise and chemical hazards apply before the affected work starts. Use the employer’s plan, controls and protective equipment for that task.
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Respirable crystalline silica
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 covers occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica in construction. Under 29 CFR 1926.1153(d), the permissible exposure limit is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
For a task listed in Table 1, the employer can fully and properly implement the controls, work practices and respiratory protection listed for that task. The rule also lets the employer assess and limit exposure under paragraph (d). Respirator requirements depend on the task, controls and exposure.
The employer must establish and implement a written exposure control plan. The plan describes tasks involving exposure, controls and work practices, respiratory protection, housekeeping and procedures that restrict access when needed. The employer also designates a competent person to make frequent and regular inspections for implementation of the plan.
Ask these questions before affected work:
- Is respirable crystalline silica part of this task?
- Is the employer using Table 1 or paragraph (d)?
- Which controls and work practices are required?
- Who is the competent person named for the plan?
- Is respiratory protection required for this task?
Ask your employer how exposure is assessed and which controls apply to the task. The standard assigns exposure assessment and control duties to the employer.
Construction noise
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.52 says protection must be provided when sound levels exceed Table D-2. The table lists these permissible exposures.
| Duration per day, hours | Sound level dBA slow response |
|---|---|
| 8 | 90 |
| 6 | 92 |
| 4 | 95 |
| 3 | 97 |
| 2 | 100 |
| 1 1/2 | 102 |
| 1 | 105 |
| 1/2 | 110 |
| 1/4 or less | 115 |
When exposure exceeds the table, the employer uses feasible controls. If those controls do not reduce the level within the table, the employer provides and requires personal protective equipment. A continuing, effective hearing conservation program is required when sound levels exceed the listed values.
NIOSH publishes a different recommendation. Its recommended exposure limit is 85 A-weighted decibels averaged over an eight-hour workday. For each 3 dBA increase, NIOSH recommends cutting the exposure duration in half. Keep the NIOSH recommendation separate from OSHA’s construction table when you ask what rule and program your employer is using.
Hazardous chemicals
OSHA 1926.59 says the construction hazard communication requirements are identical to 1910.1200. That standard requires an employer written hazard communication program covering labels, safety data sheets, and employee information and training.
The employer must keep required safety data sheets readily accessible during each work shift to employees in their work areas. Employees receive effective information and training at initial assignment and when a new chemical hazard they have not been trained about enters the work area.
Before using a site chemical, ask where its label and safety data sheet are and which employer procedure applies. Required training explains the hazards, protective measures, emergency procedures, work practices and protective equipment.
For broader jobsite habits, see construction site safety.
Questions to confirm before affected work
Exposure questions for your foreman
Check a prompt after you have asked it and written down the answer. The list does not decide which hazards apply, whether controls are correct or whether work is safe.
- Which dust, noise and chemical hazards apply to this task?
- Which employer plan or procedure covers the task?
- Which exposure controls or work practices are required?
- Is respiratory or hearing protection required, and what training applies?
- Who is the competent person or other contact for questions?
- Where are the chemical label and safety data sheet?
- What should I do if a required control or document is missing?
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Does Table 1 decide silica controls for every task?
No. OSHA allows the Table 1 method for listed tasks and also allows an employer to assess and limit exposure under paragraph (d). Ask which route covers your task.
Is the NIOSH noise recommendation the OSHA construction limit?
No. NIOSH publishes a recommended exposure limit of 85 dBA averaged over an eight-hour workday. OSHA construction Table D-2 lists permissible exposures beginning with 90 dBA for 8 hours.
Where should a safety data sheet be?
OSHA requires the employer to keep required safety data sheets readily accessible during each work shift to employees in their work areas.
