A manufacturer of grit- and water-based sweeping compounds became concerned after an October 19, 2017 OSHA guidance memo listed only 'non-grit, oil, and waxed-based compounds' as examples of acceptable sweeping compounds under the Respirable Crystalline Silica standards. Through counsel, the company asked whether that list was exhaustive and whether its products qualify as acceptable dust suppression housekeeping methods.
OSHA clarified that the examples in the earlier memo were neither exhaustive nor exclusionary, and do not preclude other commercially available dust suppression materials, including grit- and water-based compounds.
A follow-up June 25, 2018 memorandum stated explicitly: the use of sweeping compounds (e.g., grit-, non-grit, oil- or waxed or water-based) is an acceptable dust suppression housekeeping method provided the employer can demonstrate that such compounds do not create additional exposures. OSHA confirmed that proper use of commercially-available dust suppression sweeping compounds in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions minimizes the likelihood of exposure as required by the housekeeping provisions (29 CFR 1910.1053(h)(1), 1910.1053(f)(1), 1926.1153(f)(1)).