Respirable Crystalline Silica
The Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation. The citation number is 29 CFR 1910.1053 and 1926.1153. The Silica Exposure Control Plan has been implemented to ensure compliance with these regulations. They are also intended to protect all Purdue University employees who are expected to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica.
Training
EHS has developed Respirable Crystalline Silica online training that meets the training requirements. Everyone involved in tasks that produce silica dust (i.e. PIs; graduate students; trades; building/project managers; and building liaisons involved with new construction, alteration, repair, renovation, and maintenance operations) shall receive training before being assigned work. Training should address:
- Identifying the materials and tasks that create silica hazards;
- The dust-generating operations that will be undertaken and how the employer plans to control the dust (the silica control plan);
- The health risks;
- Working safely with silica, including proper use of equipment, protective clothing, and appropriate hygiene practices;
- The identity of the competent person designated by the employer to implement the silica control plan and inspect the job site, materials and equipment; and
- The purpose and description of the medical surveillance program.
Supervisors and others responsible for safety should also receive training on how to implement the employer’s silica control plan.
Campus Safety Contacts
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Purdue Police
Phone: (765) 494-8221
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Phone: (765) 494-6919
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