1910.1053(j)(2): Silica Regulated Area Signs
Employers must post signs at all entrances to respirable crystalline silica regulated areas with the legend: DANGER, RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA, MAY CAUSE CANCER, CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS, WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THIS AREA, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1053(j)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 31 inspections, with $12,750 in current penalties.
- Most citations: AL (6), GA (6), MA (4).
- Related part: 1910.1053(j) Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees (412 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1053(j)(2) ("Signs") is one requirement inside 1910.1053 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). 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) Signs. The employer shall post signs at all entrances to regulated areas that bear the following legend: 31 citations
DANGER
RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA
MAY CAUSE CANCER
CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS
WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THIS AREA
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: AL (6), GA (6), MA (4), NY (3), TX (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HILLTOP SLATE, INC. | MIDDLE GRANVILLE, NY | $4,194 |
| J&N GRANITE | CARTHAGE, MO | $3,405 |
| QUARRYCUT INC. | PARKER FORD, PA | $3,296 |
| GRANITE USA | WICHITA, KS | $1,383 |
| GENERAL SHALE BRICK, INC. | ROME, GA | $472 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1053(j)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1053(j)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1053(j) Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees 412 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(1) Hazard communication 197 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(3) Employee information and training 184 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(3)(i) 165 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(3)(ii) 19 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Where must silica signs be posted?
At all entrances to regulated areas.
What must the sign say?
DANGER, RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA, MAY CAUSE CANCER, CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS, WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THIS AREA, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.
Is this the general industry silica rule?
Yes. It is in 1910.1053.
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 2026-10-22
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.