Course Overview
Working around respirable silica dust poses significant health risks. Protecting yourself from these risks requires a thorough understanding of silica, the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the implementation of best practices and strategies. Our course is designed to walk you through these critical requirements, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle respirable silica safely.
This course will guide you through essential information on respirable silica, divided into four comprehensive chapters:
- Defining Respirable Silica
- Health Hazards
- Establishing a Safe Workplace
- Employer and Employee Responsibilities
At the end of the course, you will take a final exam to test your knowledge and ensure you have absorbed the critical information.
Course Topics:
In this training, we will explore various methods, controls, and equipment necessary to protect yourself from respirable silica dust in the workplace. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll learn:
1. Define Silica and Its Locations
- Understanding Silica: Learn what respirable silica is, including its forms and properties. Understand the differences between crystalline and amorphous silica.
- Where It’s Found: Identify common sources of respirable silica dust, such as construction materials (e.g., concrete, brick, mortar), mining operations, and sandblasting activities.
2. Recognize Health Impacts
- Health Risks: Discover the serious health conditions associated with respirable silica exposure, including silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Symptoms and Detection: Learn how to recognize symptoms of silica-related health issues and the importance of regular medical check-ups.
3. Identify Controls and Best Practices
- Engineering Controls: Explore various engineering controls designed to reduce silica dust exposure, such as ventilation systems, water suppression methods, and dust collection systems.
- Administrative Controls: Understand administrative measures to manage silica dust, including work practices, job rotation, and training programs.
