AIRIS brings expertise to silica dust risks

AIRIS Well site Services said it is deploying additional expertise to its regional offices ahead of a 2018 implementation on safety standards for silica dust exposure.

Houston-based AIRIS has regional offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Midland, Texas, and Denver.

The new, stricter standard from OSHA clamps down on the permissible exposure level to respirable crystalline silica, essentially cutting it in half. Without engineering and administrative controls, virtually every hydraulic fracturing site worker is at risk of breathing dangerous silica dust.

“Our team brings solutions to meet individual operational needs,” said AIRIS CEO Brendan Ryan. “Having access to expertise locally means employers have a trusted partner who will supply guidance on achieving compliance with the OSHA standard, provide advice on market trends, evaluate exposure risks, analyze assessment data and develop solutions to establish compliant workplace practices.”

Overexposure can lead to serious health risks like silicosis and lung cancer, the company said. Failing to address worker safety can leave employers vulnerable to lawsuits, fines and penalties for noncompliance when the OSHA standard becomes enforceable in June 2018.

“As employers assess their exposure risk, many have discovered their current safeguards are not enough,” Ryan said. “Our solution providers know the obligations of the OSHA standard inside and out. They evaluate the challenges customers face as well as provide solutions that address both engineering and administrative controls.”