New Silica ETS Going Into Effect for 2024
As many of you may already know, the Cal/OSH Standards Board just voted to adopt an emergency temporary standard (ETS) for silica protections. This ETS goes into effect on December 29, 2023, which means employers must be compliant with the new standard on that date. While the impetus behind the ETS was the fabricated stone countertop industry, all California employers will be required to implement new protections during certain tasks (e.g., wet methods for cutting/polishing stone, respiratory protection).
Cal/OSHA has put together educational materials and resources, as well as a model written silica exposure control plan. All of this can be found on the Cal/OSHA website. Here are some helpful links:
Respirable Crystalline Silica Standards and Resources webpage
Silica Emergency Temporary Standard – What Employers Need to Know (Executive Summary)
Silica Emergency Temporary Standard: Information for Employers (fact sheet)
Silica Emergency Temporary Standard: Information for Workers (fact sheet)
Model Written Silica Exposure Control Plan for General Industry (model written plan)
Expect Cal/OSHA to begin enforcing the ETS promptly, as this has been a hot-button issue for some time.
And, if you have read this far, you get the early scoop! After less than two years at the helm, Jeff Killip, Chief of Cal/OSHA, is out, once again leaving the Division without top leadership as we head into a very busy 2024. Should make for an interesting year!
Despite any last minute adjustments needed to address new regulations for the New Year, we hope you all have happy and safe Holidays!