Silica Competent Person Training
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153
OSHA-Compliant Respirable Crystalline Silica Training
What Silica Is
Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials like sand, stone, concrete, and mortar. When these materials are cut, drilled, or disturbed, they release fine dust particles that can become airborne and easily inhaled.
Why It Matters
Breathing in silica dust can cause serious, irreversible health issues such as silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. Because of these risks, OSHA requires employers to control exposure and ensure workers are properly trained.
What OSHA Requires for Silica Exposure
Exposure assessment
- Engineering controls
- Respiratory protection
- Written Exposure Control Plan
- Competent person designation
What Is a Competent Person? (OSHA Definition)
OSHA Definition
One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees
Has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate those hazards.
Competent Person Responsibilities
- Identify hazards
- Ensure controls
- Inspect jobsite
- Enforce compliance
When Is a Competent Person Required?
Tasks That Require Oversight
- Cutting concrete
- Grinding
- Drilling
- Demolition
Why Silica Exposure Is Dangerous
Health Risks
- Silicosis
- Lung cancer
- COPD
- Kidney disease
OSHA Silica Exposure Limits (PEL)
Permissible Exposure Limit
- 50 µg/m³ over 8 hours
How Employers Comply
- Monitoring
- Table 1
What This Training Covers
Hazard Identification
Exposure Control Methods
Work Practices and PPE
Compliance Responsibilities
Competent Person Duties
Frequently Asked Questions
Is silica training required by OSHA?
- Yes. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to train workers who may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica
- Training must cover health hazards, exposure controls, and safe work practices
Do I need a competent person on every job?
For construction activities involving silica, OSHA requires a competent person to be designated
This person must be capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take corrective action
Not every site needs a full-time role, but someone must be assigned and available
What is the OSHA silica exposure limit?
OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 µg/m³) averaged over an 8-hour workday
The Action Level is 25 µg/m³, which triggers additional requirements like monitoring and medical surveillance
What happens if you don’t comply?
Increased risk of serious illness for workers
OSHA citations, fines, and potential jobsite shutdowns
Higher liability, insurance issues, and damage to the company’s reputation
Can silica training be done online?
Yes. Online training is acceptable if it meets OSHA requirements and is effective
Employers must still ensure workers understand the material and can apply it on the job
Some roles, like the competent person, benefit from more in-depth or hands-on instruction