Communication of 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 (i)(2) of this section.

The employer shall ensure that at least the following hazards are addressed: Cancer, lung effects, immune system effects, and kidney effects.

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

1. The health hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica;
2. Specific tasks in the workplace that could result in exposure to respirable crystalline silica;
3. 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;
4. The contents of this section;
5. The identity of the competent person designated by the employer in accordance with paragraph (g)(4) of this section; and
6. The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by paragraph (h) of this section.

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