Be Educated

Employers must meet training requirements similar to OSHA's pre-existing Hazardous Communication Standard, and must perform ongoing assessments of possible worker exposure.

Workers should receive safety training and education that includes the following:

• Information about the potential health effects of exposure to respirable crystalline silica
• An SDS for silica, masonry products, alternative abrasives, and other hazardous materials and specific tasks in the workplace that could result in exposure.
• Instruction about how to set up regulated areas marking the boundaries of work areas containing crystalline silica
• Information about safe handling, labeling, and storage of toxic materials
• Facts about the importance of substitution, engineering controls, work practices, and personal hygiene
• Instruction about the use and care of appropriate PPE, especially respiratory protection
• The requirements for the reporting of all cases of silicosis to the state health departments and OSHA, as encouraged by NIOSH
• The purpose and description of the company's medical surveillance program

To learn more about Silica Safety visit our General & Maritime Silica Safety Online Training web page.