Crystalline Silica Awareness Training

Our Silica Awareness Training course is designed to give your employees the knowledge they need to properly work around Crystalline Silica.

So, who is at risk?

Consequently, workers who work in industries that manufacture silica containing materials and construction workers who cut, saw, grind, drill, or crush silica containing materials.

Crystalline Silica is a known carcinogen found in many of the earth’s naturally occurring minerals.  Sand, stone, concrete, bricks, and mortar all use silica to be manufactured.  When silica-containing materials are ground, crushed, or cut into, tiny silica particles are created.  The tiny particles are at least 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. Knowing how to deal with these tiny particles is critical.  Prolonged exposure to these toxic dust particles reduces the lungs’ ability to extract oxygen from the air.  Once this process begins, there is no cure, making awareness for prevention even more significant.  Our Silica Awareness Training will give your employees the knowledge they need to minimize their risk of exposure.

What are you at required to do?

Therefore, if you have workers who will be working around silica dust that is over the permissible exposure limit set by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration.  Adequate engineering controls need to be provided.  If you are unable to provide adequate respiratory protection through engineering controls, you must select appropriate respiratory protection.  If your workers who will be exposed to silica dust above the permissible exposure limit for more than 30 days must be offered a medical exam.  As a result, training should be conducted for all new hires and every 2 to 3 years as a refresher to current employees.

Silica Awareness Training Outline

Furthermore, our Silica Awareness class covers the topics your employees need to stay compliant.  Our class will take care of the following items:

Silica Awareness Video
OSHA’s New Silica Standard
OSHA’s Silica Fact Sheet Review
Silica Flow Chart Review

Also, we offer free phone support. We never charge for phone advice, if we don’t know, we will find out the information you need. Stop Silicosis, get your crew trained today!

Since 2009, our training professionals have successfully instructed thousands of training classes.  We will deliver an interactive and fast-paced training experience and make completing the training course easy.  Our training professionals will also travel to bring our Silica Awareness Training to your office, jobsite or facility.  We can also rent a conference room if needed and we have our own training center in Cincinnati, OH.

By utilizing our professionals to provide Silica Awareness Training to your workforce, you can breathe a lot easier knowing that your workers have the knowledge and skillset to safeguard themselves and others against poisonous silica dust exposure.  Having completed the required Silica Awareness Training will also keep your company in compliance.  OSHA fines are steep and willful violations are even higher.  Why take the risk?  We have what it takes to protect your most valued asset, your people.  Dial 877-209-9648 or email sales@pasafety.com to register.

Check out other free resources on Crystalline Silica:

The silica rule, what you need to know
OSHA silica standard
Stop silicosis video
Silica poisoning

Frequently Asked Questions About Crystalline Silica:

Is Crystalline Silica Awareness Training required by law?

Yes. OSHA requires employers to train any employees who may conduct work or activities in any area that may disturb silica-containing dust.  There are various types of silica training that may apply depending on the task.

How long is my Crystalline Silica Certification good for?

Most silica awareness certifications are good for two-three years from the date of certification.  There are also refresher courses available and all new hires must also be trained.

What is Crystalline Silica Awareness Training?

Crystalline Awareness Training is a course that may cover such topics as background information on crystalline silica, effects of silica on your body and health, worker protection programs, where to find and identify silica-containing materials in the buildings in question, etc.

How do I know if I need Crystalline Silica Awareness Training?

If you or your workers will be around silica dust that is over the permissible exposure limit set by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration, adequate training must be provided.

How do I know if I’m at risk for exposure?

Workers who work in industries that manufacture silica-containing materials and construction workers who cut, saw, grind, drill, or crush silica-containing materials are at risk for exposure. Crystalline Silica exposure is most likely to occur through inhalation.  Silica is found in many of the earth’s naturally occurring minerals.  Sand, stone, concrete, bricks, and mortar all use silica to be manufactured.  When silica-containing materials are ground, crushed, or cut into, tiny silica particles are created and released into the air.  These dust particles are so tiny that they are not visible to the naked eye, making the risk of silica exposure even more dangerous.

How do I know if I have been exposed to Crystalline Silica?

It is possible to be exposed to crystalline silica and to not show symptoms of that exposure right away.  Although you do not have symptoms now, you should remain vigilant for the rest of your life. You should take note of anything new that arises in terms of symptoms over time (i.e., night sweats, weight loss, fever, chest pains, respiratory failure, cough, breathlessness, weakness, etc.).  If you develop a chronic cough or shortness of breath, feel chest pain, etc. you should make an appointment to see your doctor immediately.  Always mention your crystalline silica exposure history to your doctor during your visit.   

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to Crystalline Silica?

It is possible to be exposed to crystalline silica and to not show symptoms of that exposure right away.  Although you do not have symptoms now, you should remain vigilant for the rest of your life. You should take note of anything new that arises in terms of symptoms over time (i.e., night sweats, weight loss, fever, chest pains, respiratory failure, cough, breathlessness, weakness, etc.).  If you develop a chronic cough or shortness of breath, feel chest pain, etc. you should make an appointment to see your doctor immediately.  Always mention your crystalline silica exposure history to your doctor during your visit.   

Can a one-time exposure to Crystalline Silica be harmful? How much Crystalline Silica exposure is harmful?

Anything containing ≥ 0.1% crystalline silica (by weight or volume) must be labeled as crystalline silica-containing.  No amount of crystalline silica is considered ‘safe.’  Any single exposure to crystalline silica can pose a health risk.  Although you do not have symptoms now, you should remain vigilant for the rest of your life about keeping regular and consistent visits with your physician and always mentioning your history of exposure to crystalline silica.

Can I spread crystalline silica exposure to my family?

While illness caused by crystalline silica is not contagious, it is possible to spread the silica dust to others byway of silica particles on clothing and physical contact with others following exposure.

How can I prevent crystalline silica exposure?

The best way to prevent crystalline silica exposure is by getting educated in an Silica Awareness Course on preventative methods of exposure and by following occupational safety measures to prevent the spread of silica dust-containing materials to minimize contamination risks.