NIOSH ALERT: "Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposures During Tuck Pointing" (WISHA Cover Letter)

December 15, 2000

TO: Owners, Operators, and Employees of Masonry Services

This letter is to inform you of an alert from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regarding potential health hazards related to your business. The WISHA Services Division of the Department of Labor and Industries is forwarding the attached information (click here to view the NIOSH Alert) to you. This information could be helpful in protecting yourself and employees from the health hazards of silica during tuck pointing and other dust producing activities.

We encourage you to read and share the attached information with employees or coworkers, and follow the recommendations for prevention should tuck pointing be performed at one or more of your work locations.

If you have questions regarding safety and health or questions about ensuring your worksite is in compliance with the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), please contact the local L&I service center nearest you and ask to speak with someone in WISHA Consultation Services.

If you have specific questions about this letter, please feel free to contact Lezlie Perrin at (360) 902-5425 or e-mail at pero235@lni.wa.gov.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Silverstein, MD
Assistant Director for WISHA Services