OSHA is requesting input on potential revisions to Table 1 of its respirable crystalline silica standard for construction, according to a Request for Information  published in the Aug. 15 Federal Register.

Table 1 of the silica standard for construction outlines the proper control measures to be taken when performing tasks using specific pieces of equipment related to silica exposure.

Table 1 requirements also include control measures for handheld power saws, walk-behind saws, drivable saws; rig-mounted core saws and drills; handheld and stand-mounted drills; dowel drilling rigs for concrete; vehicle-mounted drilling rigs for rock and concrete; jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools; handheld grinders for mortar removal; handheld grinders for other uses; walk-behind milling machines and floor grinders; and small, drivable milling machines.

“OSHA seeks information on additional engineering and work practice control methods to effectively limit exposure to silica for the equipment and tasks currently listed on Table 1,” the agency states in an Aug. 14 press release. “The agency is also requesting information about other construction equipment and tasks that generate silica that it should consider adding to Table 1, along with information about their associated engineering and work practice control methods.”

Additionally, OSHA is considering potential revisions to paragraph (a)(3) of the silica standard for general industry “to broaden the circumstances under which general industry and maritime employers would be permitted to comply with the silica standard for construction as an alternative to the general industry standard.”

The deadline to comment is Nov. 13.