Cosentino, Florida-based leader in the production and distribution of surfaces for the world of architecture and design, has taken another step in the development of its Hybriq+ technology with the introduction of SilestoneXM. In an inflection point for the hybrid mineral surfaces brand, all SilestoneXM collections brought to the market will have a maximum crystalline silica content of 10 percent.…
Read MoreTag: Crystalline Silica
SCM developer Progressive Planet tests plasma-processed quartz silica
Sources: Progressive Planet Solutions Inc., Kamloops, British Columbia; CP staff Progressive Planet cites promising compressive strength performance of concrete specimens prepared with PozPyro, a supplementary cementitious material processed with plasma technology and abundantly available crystalline silica feedstock. Designed in collaboration with Pyrogenesis Canada, the binder exhibits potential as a partial portland cement replacement. Mortar cube testing on four separate PozPyro…
Read MoreSurvey: White House rule discourages construction apprenticeship participation
An Associated Builders & Contractors survey finds the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) controversial, 180,000-plus word proposed rule overhauling regulations related to government-registered apprenticeship programs (GRAPs) will discourage apprentices, contractors and ABC chapter apprenticeship program providers from participating in the Department-backed system. “Initial feedback on changes to apprenticeship regulations has been overwhelmingly negative and these survey results make it clear…
Read MoreConstruction interests compound court challenges to OSHA silica rule
Associated Builders & Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America American Road & Transportation Builders Association and four peer groups plan to join eight state affiliates petitioning the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit for review of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s final rule on crystalline silica exposure. Released in late March, it sets a threshold of 50-micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an eight-hour shift, compared to a longstanding 250-microgram level for the construction industry.
Read MoreIndustry tackles incendiary silica rule
In a unified front, concrete, cement and aggregate interests question the scientific basis, worker benefit claims, enforcement feasibility and compliance costs at the heart of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking On Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica.
Read MoreIndustry representatives step to podium at OSHA silica rule hearings
Sources: Occupational Safety and Health Administration; CP staff
Officers of major concrete, cement and aggregate producer associations are prepared to challenge the technical and economic merits of measures at the heart of OSHA’s public hearings for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica.
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