Companies engaged in roadway construction must be aware of the potential for exposure to silica associated with common roadway construction activities, mitigation strategies, and technologies, as well as reporting, monitoring, and other regulatory obligations. Thanks to the decade of work by the Silica/Asphalt Milling Machine Partnership, the use of OSHA-approved engineering control technologies can ensure compliance with the rule for roadway milling activities; however, other road construction and asphalt production activities may trigger the Silica Rule's monitoring and mitigation requirements. In June 2018, the Silica Rule for the general industry went into effect, which impacted asphalt mix production facilities.
The following resources can aid in assessing compliance obligations and managing Silica Rule obligations:
- OSHA's Final Rule to Protect Workers from Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica
- Interim Enforcement Guidance for the Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction Standard, 29 CFR 1926.1153 (OSHA)
- Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction (OSHA)
- Webinar: Complying with OSHA's New Silica Rule (August 2016)
- Field Guide for Controlling Silica Dust Exposure on Asphalt Pavement Milling Machines
- Best Practice Engineering Control Guidelines to Control Worker Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica During Asphalt Pavement Milling (NIOSH)
- Designating a "Competent Person" Under OSHA's General Construction Standard and the Silica Rule (NAPA Special Report 219)
- Recommended Skills and Capabilities for Silica Competent Person (AIHA)
- Written Silica Exposure Control Plans for Road Construction Activities (NAPA Special Report 221)
- Develop an Exposure Control Plan (Center for Construction Research and Training)
- Webinar: Complying with OSHA's Silica Rule at Asphalt Plants and During Road Construction Activities (November 2018)
- Understanding the Use of Exposure Assessment Information Under the OSHA Silica Standard (NAPA Special Report 225)