OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewHealth Hazards in ConstructionHard
A construction worker is operating heavy machinery, producing significant amounts of respirable crystalline silica dust. The employer has implemented engineering controls, such as water sprays, and administrative controls, such as limiting work shifts. However, air monitoring indicates that worker exposure still occasionally exceeds the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). What additional measure is OSHA most likely to require in this situation?
- AImplement medical surveillance for all exposed workers.
- BIncrease the frequency of administrative controls only.
- CCease all operations involving silica-generating tasks indefinitely.
- DProvide and ensure the use of appropriate respiratory protection.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Provide and ensure the use of appropriate respiratory protection.
When engineering and administrative controls are insufficient to reduce silica exposure below the PEL, OSHA requires the use of appropriate respiratory protection. This aligns with the hierarchy of controls where PPE is used when higher-level controls are not fully effective.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Medical surveillance is a required component of a silica program, but it does not directly reduce exposure; it monitors for health effects.
- B. Increasing administrative controls alone may not be sufficient if previous efforts already indicate the need for additional measures to reduce exposure directly.
- C. Ceasing operations indefinitely is an extreme measure not typically required if controls, including PPE, can manage the exposure.
Silica Control Hierarchy
OSHA's silica standard requires employers to use a hierarchy of controls: engineering controls (primary), administrative controls, and then respiratory protection if other controls are insufficient to keep exposure below the PEL.
- Engineering controls first choice.
- Administrative controls next.
- Respirators used when other controls fail or as temporary measure.
Memory trick: Silica: Engineer, Administer, Protect.