Respirable Crystalline Silica Compliance Calendar Software
OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica standard (29 CFR 1910.1053 for general industry, 29 CFR 1926.1153 for construction) sets a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m³ and requires employers to assess exposures, implement engineering controls, provide medical surveillance, train employees, and maintain detailed records. The standard's tiered obligations based on exposure levels create multiple recurring deadlines that vary by employee and work area.
Our Silica Compliance Calendar Software and mobile app tracks every exposure assessment, medical exam, training anniversary, and control measure review across your workforce.
Exposure Levels & Obligations
The silica standard triggers different compliance requirements depending on exposure levels:
Below Action Level
< 25 µg/m³
No additional monitoring required after two consecutive measurements below action level, taken at least 7 days apart. Maintain records of assessment.
Above Action Level, At/Below PEL
25-50 µg/m³
Reassess exposures within 6 months. Provide training. Implement written exposure control plan. Offer medical surveillance if exposed 30+ days/year.
Above PEL
> 50 µg/m³
Reassess within 3 months. Implement engineering controls to reduce below PEL. Provide respiratory protection. Mandatory medical surveillance. Restricted areas and signage.
Key Silica Compliance Deadlines
Exposure Assessments
Conduct initial exposure assessments for all potentially exposed employees. Reassess within 3 months (above PEL) or 6 months (above action level, at/below PEL).
Medical Surveillance Exams
Offer initial exam within 30 days of assignment for employees above PEL for 30+ days/year. Repeat every 3 years. Includes chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, and TB screening.
Employee Training
Train employees on health hazards of silica exposure, specific tasks that generate silica dust, engineering controls, respiratory protection, and the written exposure control plan.
Written Exposure Control Plan Review
Review and update the written exposure control plan at least annually to reflect changes in tasks, controls, or conditions that affect silica exposure.
PLHCP Written Medical Opinion
Obtain a written medical opinion from the physician within 30 days of each medical surveillance examination.
Exposure Reassessment
Reassess employee exposures whenever a change in production, process, control equipment, or work practices may reasonably increase exposure levels.
Engineering Controls Evaluation
Evaluate the effectiveness of engineering and work practice controls including ventilation systems, wet methods, and dust collection systems.
Housekeeping Compliance
Prohibit dry sweeping and dry brushing where silica dust could become airborne. Use HEPA-filtered vacuuming or wet methods for cleanup.
Exposure Record Retention
Maintain air monitoring and objective data records for at least 30 years per 29 CFR 1910.1020.
Medical Surveillance Record Retention
Maintain medical surveillance records for the duration of employment plus 30 years.
Software Features for Silica Compliance
Exposure Monitoring Scheduling
Schedule initial assessments and tiered reassessments (3-month or 6-month) based on exposure results for each employee.
Medical Surveillance Tracking
Track initial and 3-year medical exam dates, PLHCP written opinions, and medical restriction recommendations.
Training Management
Schedule and track annual silica training for all exposed employees with completion records.
Exposure Control Plan Reviews
Schedule annual plan reviews with reminders and track revisions when conditions change.
Engineering Controls Tracking
Document and schedule evaluations of ventilation, wet methods, dust collection, and other control measures.
Respiratory Protection Integration
Coordinate with respiratory protection requirements including fit testing and medical clearance.
Record Retention Management
Track exposure records and medical surveillance records through the required 30-year retention period.
Mobile App
Document exposure conditions and manage compliance tasks from the field with our mobile app.
