On Sept. 12, the notice of proposed rulemaking for respirable crystalline silica was published in the Federal Register. OSHA invites and strongly encourages the public to participate in the process of developing a final rule through written comments and participation in public hearings.

The public will have until Dec. 11, 2013, to submit written comments on the proposed rule. Hearings on the proposed silica rule are scheduled to begin on March 4, 2014 at the Department of Labor’s Frances Perkins Building in Washington, DC. Members of the public who wish to participate in public hearings must submit a notice of intention to appear by Nov. 12, 2013. You can find out additional information on the proposed rule for respirable crystalline silica, including five fact sheets, and procedures for submitting written comments and participating in public hearings.