Silica Awareness Training & Certification

Three Different Types of Trainings

Whether you want training and certification in as little as two hours with our online training or a more robust, customizable option like you get with our DIY training kits or on-site training, we can help you get the training certificate you need in the way you want it and at a price you can afford.

Online Training

Online is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores. Online training is also eligible for bulk pricing discounts for groups of 16+ trainees.

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Training Kits

The kit is for those who want to do the training themselves. It’s a reusable training presentation that is used to train groups of people all at one time in one location. If you need to train a trainer to use the kit we offer a train the trainer online course.

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Train the Trainer

Train the trainer courses are online and meant to certify a single individual to use the training kit to train others. The kit is included with the train the trainer online course for no additional cost and is reusable. The result is a lifetime certification.

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What's in the Training?

Our Silica Awareness training course is built to regulation standards. This class discusses topics including exposure and limits, controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and more.

This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam.

Though you will still need to familiarize yourself with all other applicable federal, state, provincial, territorial, and local standards, this training encompasses the following standards for silica:

Canada Standards

6.112.1 OHS Regulation – If employees are exposed or possibly exposed to silica dust and exposure control plan is required.
5.82 OHS Regulation – Employers responsibility to provide effective means of removing hazardous substances defined in section 5.1 from a worker's skin or clothing.
British Columbia – 0.025 mg/m3
Alberta – 0.025 mg/m3
Ontario – Meets ACGIH requirements, TWA does not exceed 0.005 mg/m3

Why Do I Need Training?

In line with Canada requirements, anyone who operates heavy equipment must receive training prior to operating the machine on their own. Canada requirements for refresher training related to forklifts or other processes are very specific. Most other equipment doesn’t have such specific requirements, but it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.

When it comes to refresher training, Canada’s standard in some instances is very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment. A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that proves continued competency.

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Stay Informed On All Things

Did You Know?

The Earth’s crust is made up of 27% silicon. (Source: SoftSchools)

Silica exposure is a significant danger to 2 million U.S. workers. (Source: OSHA)

When silica dust enters the lungs, it creates scar tissue and makes it more difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen. (Source: OSHA)

Safety Videos

Silica Dust Safety Training Video.The Danger of Silica Dust.

In the News

NIOSH-Funded Studies Show Ways to Reduce Silica Exposure in Concrete Cutting.Understanding Silica Dust and OSHA’s 50-microgram PEL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is silica dust?

The official name is “respirable crystalline silica” and it’s small, airborne particles of rock that you can inhale if you’re not careful.

How does silica dust hurt people?

When silica dust gets into your lungs it will eventually cause scarring and stiffening of lung tissues called silicosis. It can also lead to lung cancer, kidney disease, and COPD.

What causes silica dust?

Drilling or cutting materials that contain crystalline silica puts those particles into the air. Materials that contain silica are sand, stone (rock), concrete, tiles, bricks, gravel, clay, mortar, and some plastics.