Earlier this year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new Regional Emphasis Program (REP) for silica in the Cut Stone and Stone Products Industry, NAICS code 327991. It applies to industry operations located within the jurisdiction of each Area Office in Region VIII and doesn't expire until February 2027. Region VIII includes Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah.
In the announcement, OSHA states that according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), at least 1.7 million U.S. workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in a variety of industries and occupations, including construction, sandblasting and mining. Inhalation of elevated levels of RCS particles poses a health hazard and can cause multiple diseases, including silicosis, an incurable, but preventable, lung disease that can lead to disability and death. Exposure to RCS can also cause lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease. When specific activities generate respirable dust, silica is then released into the air, which creates inhalation hazards.
“Exposure to respirable crystalline silica is not just a health hazard for workers, companies can also face costly noncompliance penalties if they do not properly follow health and safety regulations,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL Analytical, our laboratories are dedicated to protecting workers and companies from RCS and many other airborne exposure hazards. We provide industrial hygiene, material and environmental testing services, along with sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE).”
To learn more about testing for crystalline silica and other occupational exposure risks, or for access to sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments and PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC's, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
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