Silica Exposure in Sandblasting, Construction and Other Occupations

Course Description:

Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by breathing in crystalline silica.  Silicosis accounts for about 200 deaths in the U.S. every year.  In the construction industry, the most severe exposures to crystalline silica result from sandblasting.  Other activities that may produce crystalline silica dust include jack hammering;  rock/well drilling; concrete mixing and drilling; brick and concrete block cutting; tunneling operations; cement and asphalt pavement manufacturing; setting, laying and repair of railroad track; and foundry operations.  The present course is based on a modified version of OSHA training material related to protecting personnel exposed to crystalline silica in the workplace.  The course consists of 74 slides with accompanying commentary, providing a concise, graphically illustrated, and easily digestible introduction to the subject. 

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Various forms of silica
• Silicosis and other lung diseases related to silica
• Effects of particle size
• Types of industrial processes that produce silica dust
• Devices and procedures for limiting and monitoring exposure
• Recommended worker training
• Respiratory protection