Which statement describes the relationship between the New Silica Standard and respiratory protection?

Which statement describes the relationship between the New Silica Standard and respiratory protection?

• A. Air monitoring alone suffices
• B. Respiratory protection is optional
• C. Respiratory protection is required
• D. Only if the employer mandates

Answer: (C)

Under the new silica standard, protecting workers hinges on both reducing exposure and using protection when needed. Engineering and administrative controls are first aimed at bringing exposure to or below the permissible limit. If those controls cannot achieve that level, respiratory protection becomes mandatory. That means a formal respiratory protection program must be in place—medical clearance, fit testing, training, and proper selection, use, and maintenance of respirators. Air monitoring helps decide when protection is required, but simply monitoring does not protect workers by itself. The requirement to use respirators follows from the exposure assessment and the effectiveness of controls, not from the employer’s discretion.

Under the new silica standard, protecting workers hinges on both reducing exposure and using protection when needed. Engineering and administrative controls are first aimed at bringing exposure to or below the permissible limit. If those controls cannot achieve that level, respiratory protection becomes mandatory. That means a formal respiratory protection program must be in place—medical clearance, fit testing, training, and proper selection, use, and maintenance of respirators. Air monitoring helps decide when protection is required, but simply monitoring does not protect workers by itself. The requirement to use respirators follows from the exposure assessment and the effectiveness of controls, not from the employer’s discretion.