Health Hazards in Construction
The big construction exposures
Silica, asbestos, lead, noise, welding fume, carbon monoxide, heat, and chemical products. Respirable crystalline silica (1926.1153) is the most testable: an action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour TWA and a PEL of 50. Table 1 lists common tasks with specified engineering controls - wet cutting, dust-collection shrouds, vacuum systems - and following Table 1 is deemed compliance. Medical surveillance is triggered at 30 or more days of exposure per year.
Noise: the PEL is 90 dBA as an 8-hour TWA; a hearing conservation program with monitoring, audiograms, and hearing protection is required at 85 dBA.
Hazard communication (1926.59, adopting 1910.1200) requires labels, safety data sheets, and training for every chemical on site. Carbon monoxide from gas-powered equipment in enclosed spaces, welding fume, solvent vapors, and heat illness all belong in the same conversation: recognize, monitor, control.
Traps
Confusing the action level with the PEL. Assuming a dust mask is a respirator - voluntary use of a filtering facepiece still triggers the Appendix D notice. Assuming that a little dust is harmless: silica damage is cumulative and irreversible.
Rule of thumb: memorize 25/50 for silica and 85/90 for noise, and remember that Table 1 compliance displaces air monitoring but not training or housekeeping.