Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002C Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.1153(d)(3)(i): The employer did not use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica to or below the PEL, unless the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible: a) Worksite located at New Jersey Turnpike, Western Spur, 107 Letterman Bridge The employer did not use engineering and work practice controls for employees performing jackhammering activities and using compressed air on concrete spall work. The employer did not ensure that, during jackhammering, a continuous stream or spray of water or dust collection was utilized. Employees using jack hammers and compressed air were exposed to crystalline respirable silica at an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 83.2 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 78.5 ug/m3 and 71.8 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), which are 1.7, 1.6 and 1.4 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. Zero exposure was assumed for unsampled periods of 185 minutes, 278, and 180 minutes respectively. Violation occurred on or about 10/24/2019.