Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 009 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.1053(f)(1): 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, and the employer did not demonstrate that such controls are not feasible: a) Shale Area and Clay Prep area; On or about August 31, 2023, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica in excess of 50 cmg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA. An employee removing roots from the lines and cleaning was exposed to respirable crystalline silica hazards at 57.5 micrograms per cubic meter which is approximately 1.15 times the permissible exposure level of 50 micrograms per cubic meter and 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. Results were based on a 523-minute sampling period. b) Brick Face Saw Area; On or about August 31, 2023, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica in excess of 50 cmg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA. An employee operating the brick face saw was exposed to respirable crystalline silica hazards at 326 micrograms per cubic meter which is approximately 6.52 times the permissible exposure level of 50 micrograms per cubic meter and 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. Results were based on a 499-minute sampling period.