Your question has been referred to the Directorate of Compliance Programs for response. We are not generally involved in the hazard determination process until it is brought to our attention that the manufacturer s MSDS may be incomplete or inadequate. Articles do not present a hazardous exposure to employees and are exempt from coverage under the standard. A hazardous chemical is any chemical which is a health hazard or a physical hazard.
Crystalline silica is clearly a hazardous chemical.
I hope that this provides the clarification you were seeking. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health.