The new Silica standard went into effect on September 23, 2017 nationally while Virginia used the July 23, 2017 date to implement the standard on a state level.
As for federal enforcement a Memorandum was sent out on September 20, 2017. The following is a link to that memorandum:
Every employer still must have:
- Their company written Silica Exposure Control Plan,
- Training documents of all potentially exposed employees and competent persons,
- Along with other components of the rule in place (which could include required equipment with the integrated water delivery and vacuum systems),
- And show that you are working toward implementation of the standard.
If OSHA deems you not to be working towards compliance they may issue a citation.
A recent company quantified they have spent nearly $40,000 to be in compliance thus far.
The Advisor 