September 12, 2013
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA announces that the notice of proposed rulemaking for
respirable silica has been published in the Federal Register

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced that the notice of proposed rulemaking for respirable crystalline silica has published in the Federal Register.

OSHA invites and strongly encourages the public to participate in the process of developing a final rule through written comments and participation in public hearings.

The public will have until Dec. 11, 2013, to submit written comments on the proposed rule.

Hearings on the proposed silica rule are scheduled to begin on March 4, 2014 at the Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building in Washington, DC. Members of the public who wish to participate in public hearings must submit a notice of intention to appear by Nov. 12, 2013.

Additional information on the proposed rule, including five fact sheets, and procedures for submitting written comments and participating in public hearings is available at http://www.osha.gov/silica/index.html.

See the Federal Register notice to read the notice of proposed rulemaking.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visi thttp://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.