OAR 437-002-1058: Regulated and Restricted Access Areas

This rule applies to fixed site regulated areas and restricted access areas for construction activities. (1) Regulated areas at fixed sites. (a) Establishment. Establish a regulated area wherever an employee’s exposure to airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica is, or can reasonably be expected to be, in excess of the PEL. (b) Demarcation. Demarcate regulated areas from the rest of the workplace in a manner that minimizes the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica within the regulated area. Post signs at all entrances to regulated areas that bear the following legend. DANGER RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA MAY CAUSE CANCER CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THIS AREA AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY (c) Access. Limit access to regulated areas to: (A) Persons authorized by the employer and required by work duties to be present in the regulated area; (B) Any person entering such an area as a designated representative of employees for the purpose of exercising the right to observe monitoring procedures under 437-002-1056; and (C) Any person authorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Act or regulations issued under it to be in a regulated area. (d) Provision of respirators. Provide each employee and the employee’s designated representative entering a regulated area with an appropriate respirator in accordance with 437-002-1060 and require each employee and the employee’s designated representative use the respirator while in a regulated area. (2) Restricted access for construction activities. For employers engaged in construction activities or using the specific exposure control methods in 437-002-1057; (a) Written procedures. Develop and implement written procedures to restrict access to work areas, when necessary, to minimize the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica and their level of exposure, including exposures generated by other employers or sole proprietors. Procedures must be part of the written exposure control plan required by 437-002-1059(2). (b) Competent person. Designate a competent person to ensure the procedures are followed.