Final answer:
According to OSHA's Silica Standard, handheld power saws (blade diameter ≤ 8") used outdoors for cutting fiber-cement board must have a dust collection system with a filter of 99% efficiency and a filter-cleaning mechanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Silica Standard for handheld power saws used in cutting fiber-cement board. According to OSHA's guidelines, when using handheld power saws with a blade diameter of 8 inches or less for tasks performed outdoors, the saw must be equipped with a commercially available dust collection system.
This system must have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency and a filter-cleaning mechanism. When used properly, this setup can drastically reduce the amount of respirable crystalline silica that workers are exposed to, thereby minimizing health risks associated with silica dust inhalation.