As part of its ongoing commitment to worker safety and the “2026 Roadmap for Silica Safety,” the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) has released comprehensive new guidance regarding respirator selection and use in stone fabrication environments.
Developed in collaboration with the Yale School of Medicine and the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), these documents provide the industry’s first science-driven framework for protecting workers from Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS).
Why This Initiative Matters
The global rise in silicosis cases has put the processing of natural and engineered stone under intense scrutiny. While engineering controls—such as wet cutting and high-efficiency ventilation—remain the primary line of defense, the NSI’s new guidance clarifies exactly when and how respiratory protection must be integrated into a daily safety plan. This move is particularly timely as regions worldwide implement stricter 2026 mandates.
“These collaborative efforts with Yale are focused on providing practical tools and credible research to help fabrication shops protect their employees and operate responsibly,” said Jim Hieb, CEO of the Natural Stone Institute. “Our goal is to make sure companies have access to the proper training and resources to manage silica exposure and protect worker health.”
Key Highlights of the New Guidance:
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Science-Based Selection: Criteria for choosing the right respirator based on the specific material (Natural vs. Engineered Stone) and dust concentration levels.
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Integration with Engineering Controls: Clear instructions on how respirators should supplement—not replace—water-fed tooling and local exhaust ventilation.
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Medical Surveillance: Insights from the Yale School of Medicine on how proper respirator use fits into a broader employee health monitoring program.
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Regulatory Alignment: Tools to help shop owners comply with evolving 2026 international safety standards (OSHA and others).
Access the Resources
The Natural Stone Institute encourages all industry professionals—from shop owners to safety managers—to review these documents and implement the recommended practices immediately.
The full guidance documents, including the “Air Purifying Respirator Selection Criteria” and the “2026 Silica Safety Roadmap,” are available for download at: 👉 www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica
