Employers are required to provide respiratory protection in accordance with the OSHA standard for respiratory protection, 29 CFR 1910.134, when engineering controls are insufficient to reduce exposure to respirable crystalline silica to acceptable levels.
According to the respirable crystalline silica standard, employers must provide respiratory protection in accordance with the OSHA standard for respiratory protection, which is referenced as 29 CFR 1910.134. This is a specific regulation that outlines the requirements and guidelines for respiratory protection programs, including the proper selection, use, and maintenance of respirators to protect workers from airborne contaminants, including silica.
The standard requires employers to implement a comprehensive respiratory protection program when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure. It's essential for employers to not only provide the necessary personal protective equipment but also to ensure that it is used correctly through effective training and that the workplace is regularly monitored for compliance with the standard.