Silica (Construction) Compliance for Aerospace
29 CFR 1926.1153 — Limits worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica during construction tasks like cutting, grinding, drilling, sawing, or demolishing concrete, masonry, brick, or stone.
Any construction employer whose workers may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica.
How Silica (Construction) Applies to Aerospace
Aerospace facility construction and runway/taxiway maintenance generate silica exposure; programs should integrate with FOD and security requirements.
Key Requirements
- PEL of 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA
- Table 1 specified-control method OR objective-data exposure assessment
- Written exposure-control plan with competent-person designation
- Respiratory protection per Table 1 task or per assessment results
- Medical surveillance for workers required to wear a respirator 30+ days/year
- Worker training on silica health effects, tasks generating exposure, and controls
- Recordkeeping of exposure assessments, objective data, and medical surveillance
Most-Cited Violations
1926.1153(d)(1) — Failure to limit exposure (no Table 1 method, no assessment)1926.1153(g)(1) — No written exposure-control plan1926.1153(i)(2) — Worker training not provided1926.1153(h) — Medical surveillance not offered
Typical fine range: $5,000–$16,550 per Serious citation. Repeat/Willful: $50,000–$165,514. National Emphasis Program for silica is active.
How SafetyNet Helps Aerospace Employers Comply with Silica (Construction)
- Gap Assessment — Third-party audit against 1926.1153 with prioritized remediation roadmap.
- On-Site Managed Services — Embedded certified safety professional running your Silica (Construction) program day-to-day.
- Citation Assistance — If you have received a 1926.1153 citation, our consultants help with informal-conference negotiation and abatement.
Free Tools
- Free OSHA Self-Assessment — 26-question check in 5 minutes
- OSHA Fine Estimator — Estimate your citation exposure
- Talk to a Consultant — Free 30-minute consultation
Silica (Construction) for Other Industries
Other Standards Relevant to Aerospace
This page summarizes federal OSHA requirements. State-plan jurisdictions may have stricter requirements. Fine ranges are planning estimates; they are not legal advice. For a binding compliance assessment, contact a SafetyNet consultant.