Final answer:
29 CFR 1926.1153 is OSHA's standard that addresses the hazard of respirable crystalline silica exposure in the workplace. It mandates protective measures including permissible exposure limits and engineering controls, and requires proper training and medical surveillance for workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
29 CFR 1926.1153 is OSHA's standard covering the hazard associated with respirable crystalline silica. This regulation is part of OSHA's efforts to protect workers in the construction, general industry, maritime, and agriculture sectors from the health risks posed by exposure to silica dust.
The standard includes provisions for reducing exposure, such as specifying permissible exposure limits, mandating the use of engineering controls, and requiring respiratory protection when necessary. It also sets out requirements for employers to provide medical surveillance for workers exposed to silica and to offer training on the hazards of silica dust.
Employers must adhere to these regulations to ensure a workplace that does not have serious hazards, following the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act. This commitment to workplace safety extends to comprehensive measures including providing fall protection, preventing trenching cave-ins, reducing exposure to infectious diseases and harmful chemicals, and prioritizing the elimination or reduction of hazards before relying on personal protective equipment.