The Respirable Crystalline Silica Awareness for Construction course  is an introductory-level safety course in which participants will learn the basics about silica and respirable crystalline silica dust that may be encountered on the construction sites. The course is designed to identify the basic health hazards associated with potential exposure, some of the common construction tasks that might result in exposure to respirable crystalline, and typical control/management measures that employers might implement to protect works from potential exposure.

Additionally, course participants will learn the contents of the new OSHA regulation regarding silica and respirable crystalline silica, as well as where to get a copy of the regulation. The course will teach students to recognize who and what a competent person is and the basic requirements surrounding OSHA’s new standards regarding respirable crystalline silica.

Students partaking in the Respirable Crystalline Silica Awareness for Construction course will gain a thorough and up-to-date understanding of the magnitude of silica in the construction environment, as well as the basic hazards, evaluations, and control techniques – in addition to OSHA’s requirements surrounding respirable crystalline silica. Course topics include the following:

• Introduction to silica and respirable crystalline silica, including background and definitions
• Common construction activities that have the greatest potential for exposure
• Common hazards, evaluation, and control techniques of silica and respirable crystalline silica
• Importance of signage and labels, housekeeping, and a written exposure control plan
• Silica and respirable crystalline silica in construction summation

Industry terms that will be covered include action level, competent person, employee exposure, high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA), permissible exposure limit, and respirable crystalline silica.

This course is based on OSHA’s §1926.1153 Respirable Crystalline Silica and all applicable related OSHA standards.

The Respirable Crystalline Silica Awareness for Construction course is primarily intended to provide introductory awareness training for employees with only limited exposure or potential for exposure to silica and respirable crystalline silica dust. The training is applicable to both employees and employers in nearly all areas of construction employment at which workers and/or employers may be exposed to rock, concrete, or similar particles. Individuals who will benefit from this course include:

• Workers on or near construction sites or related projects at which silica dust may be generated but whom are not specifically exposed
• Workers who need an understanding of the training and information non-silica employees on the jobsite may receive or have received
• Construction foremen
• Construction supervisors
• Construction managers
• Construction project managers

The Respirable Crystalline Silica Awareness for Construction is a basic awareness-level course that will provide a broad introduction to silica and respirable crystalline silica dust, as well as the regulations, and hazards therein. Additionally, students will gain an awareness of hazard recognition, evaluation and control techniques. The course will include the following:

• Interactive media to help students learn the material presented
• Enhanced learning through both case studies and exercises

All course participants must complete the full course to receive CEU credits with a score 100% at each knowledge checkpoint and fill out the course evaluation to receive his or her certificate of completion. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a course completion certificate showing the CEUs earned that may be printed at any time.