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29 CFR 1926.1153

Silica Competent Person

OSHA's silica standard requires every covered employer to have a written exposure control plan and a competent person to implement it. This course gives that person a working command of Table 1, the plan, and the inspections that go with the job.

Who this course is for

  • Foremen and supervisors designated as silica competent person
  • Concrete, masonry, demolition, and drywall contractors
  • Safety managers responsible for the exposure control plan
  • Workers moving into a lead role on dust-producing tasks

What you will be able to do

  • Explain the health effects of respirable crystalline silica
  • Apply Table 1 controls to common equipment and tasks
  • Describe when exposure assessment is needed instead of Table 1
  • Implement and update a written exposure control plan
  • Inspect job sites, materials, and equipment for silica hazards
  • Know the triggers for respiratory protection and medical surveillance

Course outline

  1. Silica and healthWhere silica is found, silicosis and other diseases, and the exposure limits.
  2. The construction standardScope, the action level and PEL, and the employer's choices for compliance.
  3. Working with Table 1Engineering controls, work practices, and respirator requirements by task and duration.
  4. The written exposure control planRequired contents, restricting access, and housekeeping rules.
  5. The competent person's jobFrequent and regular inspections, correcting problems, and documentation.
  6. Respirators, medical surveillance, and recordsWhat triggers each and who is responsible.
Know before you enroll

A competent person is designated by the employer, who must also give that person the authority to correct hazards. Training supports the designation; it does not make it.

Respirator fit testing is hands-on and stays with your employer.

Questions about this course

Does this course make me a competent person?

Not by itself. Under 29 CFR 1926.32(f) a competent person can identify existing and predictable hazards and has authorization to take prompt corrective measures. Your employer makes that designation. This course gives you the knowledge and a record of it.

Is this different from silica awareness training?

Yes. Awareness training is for every exposed worker. This course goes further into Table 1, the written plan, and inspection duties for the person the employer puts in charge.

How does the final exam work?

The course ends with a timed, multiple-choice exam drawn from a question bank. The passing score is 70 percent and retakes are included. Your certificate is issued the moment you pass.

Will my employer or general contractor accept the certificate?

Every certificate shows the course, contact hours, completion date, the standard covered, and a unique ID with a QR code, so anyone can confirm it in seconds. Acceptance is always the employer's or site owner's decision. If a site requires a specific provider or a hands-on evaluation, check with them before you enroll.

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