Respirable Crystalline Silica Analysis

In April 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) passed new regulations for crystalline silica exposure limits in the workplace. The regulations include a reduction in the permissible exposure limit (PEL) to 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3 ) and an action level of 25 µg/m3. Employers in the construction industry were required to comply with the new standards by June 23, 2017 and general industry by June 23, 2018.

RJ Lee Group offers analyses for determination of total and respirable crystalline silica in both air and bulk materials for a variety of industries, including industrial hygiene, mining, and manufacturing. RJ Lee Group’s AIHA accredited laboratory provides the sampling media and performs the analysis for RCS using the NIOSH 7500 methodology. Our laboratory program meets requirements set forth in Appendix A (ref. 29 CFR 1910.1053 and 29 CFR 1926.1153) of the new OSHA standards.

About Our Capabilities

In-house Geologists and Mineral Characterization Services

In some cases, there are interferences when analyzing for respirable crystalline silica. For example, the presence of other minerals such as mica or feldspars on filters may require more detailed evaluation of results. Understanding what your workers are exposed to is crucial for compliance. Our experienced geologists and mineralogists can identify interferences and provide you with accurate results that reflect actual exposures on the job site.

Why our customers use RJ Lee Group’s laboratory:

  • Free sampling media and standard shipping to your location
  • Color coded and uniquely numbered filter cassettes
  • Low reporting limits (5 µg per filter for standard service, 2.5 µg per filter) for enhanced service
  • Results typically issued within 5 working days (air samples)
  • Capability to ID and evaluate interfering minerals
    • Full scan mineral ID services by XRD
    • ICDD PDF-2 and PDF-4 reference library
    • Characterization analysis through multiple techniques
  • Reliable and clean sample preparation methods (plasma asher **)
  • State-of-the-art instrumentation
  • Technical support
  • Competitive prices

** NIOSH permits the ashing technique (asher, muffle furnace or plasma ashing) or the chemical dissolution technique to measure respirable crystalline silica. RJ Lee Group was instrumental in proving the plasma ashing method to be more effective than the asher or muffle furnace in returning accurate measurements from workers’ cyclone air filters.

 

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To download appendix, please click here.