Exposure & Health Toolbox
Quantify and control exposures: silica 8-hour TWA, Table 1 control selection, noise dose/TWA, and PPE selection by GHS pictogram.
What this covers
Health standards work by comparing a worker's time-weighted exposure to a permissible exposure limit (PEL) and an action level that triggers monitoring and controls. Respirable crystalline silica has a PEL of 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA (action level 25); occupational noise has a 90 dBA PEL with an 85 dBA action level that triggers a hearing conservation program. This pack quantifies silica and noise, picks a Table 1 control, and selects PPE.
Use these tools in order
Each tool is free—no login. Work top to bottom for a complete result.
- 1
silica-exposure-calculator
Estimate respirable crystalline silica exposure by task. Compare vs OSHA PEL & Action Level.
- 2
silica-table-1-control-selector
Pick a construction task to get the required Table 1 dust controls and minimum respirator under 29 CFR 1926.1153.
- 3
noise-exposure-calculator
Calculate 8-hour TWA noise exposure. Compare to OSHA PEL (90 dBA) and Action Level (85 dBA).
- 4
ppe-selector
Select GHS pictograms to get instant PPE recommendations. Eye, hand, respiratory & body protection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the OSHA silica PEL?
For respirable crystalline silica, 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour time-weighted average. The action level — which triggers periodic exposure monitoring — is 25 µg/m³. On a construction site medical surveillance has its own trigger: required respirator use for 30 or more days a year (1926.1153(h)(1)(i)).
What noise level triggers a hearing conservation program?
An 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA (the action level). The PEL is 90 dBA; at or above the 85 dBA action level you must provide monitoring, hearing protection, audiometric testing, and training.
Is the silica Table 1 mandatory?
No — Table 1 is an option. If you fully and properly implement the specified engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection for a listed task, you don't have to separately assess exposures for that task. Otherwise you must use the alternative exposure-assessment path.
Planning aids only — not legal advice. Confirm every determination against the current OSHA standard and your State-Plan's rules.
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