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
• 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.