What procedures can employers use to restrict access to work areas where silica- generating activities occur?

The standard requires that the written exposure control plan include procedures for restricting access to work areas, when necessary, to minimize the number of employees exposed to silica and their level of exposure, including exposures generated by other employers or sole proprietors. See 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1153(g)(1)(iv). The standard does not specify particular procedures employers must use to restrict access to work areas with silica-generating activities. This provision was designed to provide employers flexibility to craft procedures appropriate for their worksites. Acceptable procedures for restricting access can include: (1) erecting permanent or temporary barriers around silica-generating tasks; (2) posting signs or other warnings around silica-generating tasks; or (3) directing employees to stay away from employees performing silica-generating tasks. See 81 Fed. Reg. at 16718, 16803-04. The method selected must be described in the written exposure control plan.