OSHA Proposed Silica Rule
On August 23rd, OSHA released its comprehensive crystalline silica draft regulation that has been under review for over 2 years. As AFS had predicted, the agency is proposing to cut the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for silica in half from 100 micrograms of respirable crystalline silica per cubic meter of air (μg/m3) to 50 μg/m3. Here is the link to the OSHA silica page and the 700+ page notice - https://www.osha.gov/silica/ AFS is actively working with many national groups as well as INCMA and other State Foundry Associations to respond accordingly.
OSHA extended the comment deadline to February 11, 2014. INCMA submitted comments and worked with AFS to secure Congressional signatures on a letter to the Secretary of Labor further expressing serious concerns with the rule as proposed.
AFS Comments Submitted to OSHA on Feb. 11, 2014
Wall Street Journal Article on Silica - Feb. 10, 2014
March 28, 2014 OSHA Silica Hearings Transcript featuring testimony from AFS, USW, and NFFS.
OSHA extended the comment deadline to February 11, 2014. INCMA submitted comments and worked with AFS to secure Congressional signatures on a letter to the Secretary of Labor further expressing serious concerns with the rule as proposed.
AFS Comments Submitted to OSHA on Feb. 11, 2014
Wall Street Journal Article on Silica - Feb. 10, 2014
March 28, 2014 OSHA Silica Hearings Transcript featuring testimony from AFS, USW, and NFFS.
