1910.1053(j) Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees

The employer shall include respirable crystalline silica in the program established to comply with the hazard communication standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200). The employer shall ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of crystalline silica and safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the provisions of HCS and paragraph (j)(3) of this section. The employer shall ensure that at least the following hazards are addressed: Cancer, lung effects, immune system effects, and kidney effects.

The employer shall post signs at all entrances to regulated areas that bear the following legend:

DANGER
RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA
MAY CAUSE CANCER
CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS
WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN
THIS AREA
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

The employer shall ensure that each employee covered by this section can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the following:

The health hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica;

Specific tasks in the workplace that could result in exposure to respirable crystalline silica;

Specific measures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to respirable crystalline silica, including engineering controls, work practices, and respirators to be used;

The contents of this section; and

The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by paragraph (i) of this section.

The employer shall make a copy of this section readily available without cost to each employee covered by this section.