Calculate the maximum allowable concentration of respirable crystalline silica for an 8-hour time-weighted average under Cal/OSHA construction standards:
Correct Answer
D) 50 μg/m³
Cal/OSHA Section 1532.3 sets the permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica at 50 μg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average for construction work.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Cal/OSHA Section 1532.3 establishes the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica in construction at 50 μg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average. This regulation was implemented to protect workers from silicosis and other silica-related diseases. The 50 μg/m³ standard is consistent with OSHA federal standards and represents the maximum allowable concentration that workers can be exposed to during a full work shift without exceeding safe exposure limits.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 25 μg/m³
25 μg/m³ is half the actual permissible exposure limit. While this would provide an additional safety margin, it is not the regulatory standard established by Cal/OSHA Section 1532.3. This lower value might be confused with action levels or more conservative internal company standards.
Option B: 250 μg/m³
250 μg/m³ is five times higher than the actual limit and would pose serious health risks to workers. This concentration would likely lead to accelerated development of silicosis and other respiratory diseases. This value significantly exceeds any recognized safe exposure standard for crystalline silica.
Option C: 100 μg/m³
100 μg/m³ is double the actual permissible exposure limit. This concentration would exceed Cal/OSHA safety standards and could result in citations and increased health risks for workers. This might be confused with older, less stringent standards that were in place before current regulations.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Fifty for Safety' - Cal/OSHA sets the crystalline silica limit at 50 μg/m³ to keep construction workers safe from silicosis.
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