AFS members soon will have a step-by-step guide to silica compliance.
The Silica Handbook for Small and Medium-Sized Foundries was compiled by AFS Safety and Health Committee members. All AFS members, corporate and individual, will have access to the digital book this fall.
“This handbook describes a process for foundries to follow as they work toward compliance with the new silica rules,” said Juliette Garesché, senior EHS technical director for AFS. “It’s jam-packed with useful resources, forms, and templates to help foundries organize their information and walk them through the process of developing a silica exposure control plan.”
AFS created the handbook to help foundries work toward compliance with OSHA’s 2016 silica rules, which became enforceable on June 23, 2018. The regulation cut permissible exposure levels in half.
The book includes sections on recordkeeping and documentation, regulated areas, medical surveillance, training, and more. It guides metalcasters through the silica compliance process, although it doesn’t replace the need to refer to, fully read, and understand the complete silica standard. (A copy of OSHA’s standard appears in the book.)
The Silica Handbook for Small and Medium-Sized Foundries will be available to members at www.afsinc.org/silica. Watch the AFS website and your email inbox for the official release date.