1926.1153(c)(2): Silica Table 1 Control Measures
When using the Table 1 control measures for silica, employers must provide exhaust as needed indoors or in enclosed areas to minimize visible dust buildup, apply water at flow rates enough to minimize visible dust for wet methods, and keep any enclosed cab or booth clean, sealed, under positive pressure with filtered fresh air, and equipped with heating and cooling.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1153(c)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $36,603 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (5), WY (2), AK (1).
- Related part: 1926.1153(c) Specified exposure control methods (932 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1153(c)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.1153 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). It includes 9 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) When implementing the control measures specified in Table 1, each employer shall: 17 citations
(i) For tasks performed indoors or in enclosed areas, provide a means of exhaust as needed to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne dust; 3 citations
(ii) For tasks performed using wet methods, apply water at flow rates sufficient to minimize release of visible dust; Open (c)(2)(ii) 13 citations
(iii) For measures implemented that include an enclosed cab or booth, ensure that the enclosed cab or booth: 1 citations
(A) Is maintained as free as practicable from settled dust;
(B) Has door seals and closing mechanisms that work properly;
(C) Has gaskets and seals that are in good condition and working properly;
(D) Is under positive pressure maintained through continuous delivery of fresh air;
(E) Has intake air that is filtered through a filter that is 95% efficient in the 0.3-10.0 µm range (e.g., MERV-16 or better); and
(F) Has heating and cooling capabilities.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1153.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: NJ (5), WY (2), AK (1), IL (1), DE (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| F&G HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC | LIVINGSTON, NJ | $5,462 |
| FG1 HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC | LIVINGSTON, NJ | $4,965 |
| STONE HEDGE BUILDERS LLC | ENGLEWOOD, NJ | $4,965 |
| PEREZ LANDSCAPING AND HARDSCAPING LLC | DOVER, DE | $4,148 |
| LA MOUNTAIN BROTHERS, INC. | PLYMOUTH, MA | $4,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1153(c)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1153(c)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1153(c) Specified exposure control methods 932 citations
- 1926.1153(c)(1) 914 citations
- 1926.1153(c)(2)(ii) 13 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
What must be done when silica tasks are indoors?
Provide a means of exhaust as needed to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne dust.
How much water is needed for wet methods?
Water must be applied at flow rates sufficient to minimize release of visible dust.
What filter is required for an enclosed cab?
Intake air must be filtered through a filter that is 95% efficient in the 0.3-10.0 µm range, such as MERV-16 or better.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1153 (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 2026-10-19
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.