Recent regulations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding respirable crystalline silica exposure has sparked debate and controversy over certain building products on construction jobsites. Everlast® Advanced Composite Siding by Chelsea Building Products complies with the newest and final ruling to improve U.S. workers’ protection from the dangers of silica dust exposure, set forth by the United States Department of Labor.
Crystalline silica is a common mineral that is dispersed into the air when workers cut, grind, or drill construction materials like stone, concrete, brick, or fiber cement. When these tiny particles are inhaled, it can cause silicosis – an incurable and potentially deadly lung disease. Additional health risks include lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease.
In light of the updated OSHA regulations, contractors nationwide are making the switch to safer building products in order to protect their crew’s health and meet this stricter standard. Everlast® is a smart alternative that cuts just like wood but without the dust – conducive to a safe work environment and eliminating contractor health concerns.
According to the official U.S. Labor Department OSHA press release, the new ruling on respirable silica dust “will save more than 600 lives annually and prevent more than 900 new cases of silicosis – an incurable and progressive disease – each year.”
Everlast® is produced from a triple-composite formula, yielding the most advanced composite siding and trim products on the market. Everlast®’s unique material composition combines inorganic minerals, polymeric resins, and acrylic colorants to produce a durable, strong, and most importantly, safe cellular PVC product.
Safety precautions such as individual and area dust monitoring equipment are typically important on jobsites, but simply not necessary when working with Everlast®. Millions of workers, in a variety of roles, are exposed to crystalline silica every year. Within the single-, multifamily, and commercial building sector, siding installers can appreciate that Everlast® cuts and saws cleanly, producing no harmful dust.
Not only does Everlast® have the health and safety advantage over fiber cement siding products and engineered wood, but its durability and longevity is unparalleled within the industry. There is virtually no maintenance required except a quick wash with a garden hose to maintain its original luster. Since Everlast® cannot absorb moisture like fiber cement or other wood composite siding, it may be installed near roofs, decks, or even direct to grade.
About Chelsea Building Products
Since 1975, Chelsea Building Products, Inc. has been designing and extruding PVC and composite profiles for the building materials market. From its headquarters in Oakmont, PA, Chelsea Building Products is an integrated manufacturer providing product design, material development, extrusion tooling technology and finished product to manufacturers and distributors throughout North America.
