Introduction to Silica Safety

Crystalline silica is an important industrial material, and occupational exposure occurs in the mining, manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, and maritime industries.

According toOSHAestimates, 2.3 million workers are exposed to silica at work and epidemiological studies showed a strong link between silica exposure and lung cancer in at least 10 industries.

In all industries, common workplace operations involving cutting, sawing, drilling, and crushing of concrete, brick, block, rock, and stone products; and operations using sand products can result in the inhalation of small, respirable, crystalline silica particles in the air. Crystalline silica is a major part of the raw materials used in the manufacturing of a wide variety of products. These products include concrete, brick, tile, porcelain, pottery, glass, and abrasives. In a finely ground form, silica is called "silica flour," and is commonly used in paints, plastics, and other materials.

OSHA has issued a final rule to help curb silicosis and other related diseases, such as tuberculosis, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis, in America's workers. This final rule limits workers' exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The rule comprises two standards-one for the construction industry, and one for the general and maritime industries. This course solely covers the standards for the general and maritime industries. The new standard went into effect June 23, 2017, and the general and maritime industries must comply with it by June 23, 2018.

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