Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in the earth’s crust. Materials like sand, stone, concrete, and mortar contain crystalline silica. It is also used to make products such as glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and artificial stone.  Respirable crystalline silica are very small particles at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand.

Workers may be exposed to dangerous levels of silica dust when cutting, drilling, grinding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, and mortar, otherwise disturbing any material that contains silica.  Industrial sand used in certain operations, such as foundry work and hydraulic fracturing, is also a source of respirable crystalline silica exposure. Nearly 2.5 million workers in the U.S. are exposed to silica at their work place. Workers who inhale these very small crystalline silica particles are at increased risk of developing serious silica-related diseases, including:

  • Silicosis: An incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death
  • Lung cancer
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Kidney disease

This silica training course covers the necessary information needed for workers and employers to recognize the hazard, understand the risk factors, and safe operating procedures when working with silica.

All personnel who may be involved with tasks that produce silica dust must receive this training prior to the commencement of work.

Topics addressed during this Silica course include:

  • Identification of the materials and tasks that create silica hazards
  • Dust generating operations that will take place and how to control the silica dust
  • Development and elements of an effective silica control plan
  • The short & long term health risks associated with exposure to respirable silica
  • Working safely with silica containing material including proper use of equipment, PPE, signage, appropriate hygienic practices and decontamination
  • Engineering & work practice controls
  • How to use Table 1 provided by state and federal regulatory agencies
  • Air monitoring requirements to identify exposure levels and proper recordkeeping
  • Competent person(s) & program administrator responsibilities to oversee the implementation and follow through of the silica control plan
  • Medical surveillance program

Course attendees must complete a written test.  Upon successful completion, attendees will receive a certificate of completion wallet card valid for three (3) years.

Course Duration: 3hrs
Certification Expiration: 3 years
Course Pricing & Special Rates: Contact us for course pricing and inquire about our special rates