1910.1053(e)(2): Marking Silica Regulated Areas
Employers must mark off silica regulated areas from the rest of the workplace in a way that keeps the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica inside them as low as possible. Signs bearing the legend in paragraph (j)(2) must be posted at all entrances to regulated areas.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1053(e)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 39 times in the last 3 years, in 34 inspections, with $40,780 in current penalties.
- Most citations: AL (6), GA (5), MA (4).
- Related part: 1910.1053(e) Regulated areas (116 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1053(e)(2) ("Demarcation") is one requirement inside 1910.1053 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) Demarcation. 39 citations
(i) The employer shall 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. Open (e)(2)(i) 14 citations
(ii) The employer shall post signs at all entrances to regulated areas that bear the legend specified in paragraph (j)(2) of this section. Open (e)(2)(ii) 25 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: AL (6), GA (5), MA (4), TX (3), NC (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ART STONE-GRANITE & MARBLE, INC. | MARIETTA, GA | $15,060 |
| ALUDYNE COLUMBUS, LLC | COLUMBUS, GA | $11,292 |
| THE LAKEWOOD BRICK AND TILE COMPANY | LAKEWOOD, CO | $4,000 |
| ICM INTERESTS LLC | SUGAR LAND, TX | $2,766 |
| HUNTSVILLE GRANITE AND MARBLE, LLC | HUNTSVILLE, AL | $2,305 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1053(e)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1053(e)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1053(e) Regulated areas 116 citations
- 1910.1053(e)(1) Establishment 70 citations
- 1910.1053(e)(2)(ii) 25 citations
- 1910.1053(e)(2)(i) 14 citations
- 1910.1053(e)(4) Provision of respirators 7 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must employers do with silica regulated areas?
Demarcate them from the rest of the workplace in a manner that minimizes the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica within the area.
Where must signs be posted?
At all entrances to regulated areas.
What must the signs say?
They must bear the legend specified in 1910.1053(j)(2).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1053 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.