Respiratory Protection and Silica Dust Safety

Breathing in dust, fumes, vapors and gases causes some of the most serious and permanent workplace diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, asthma and COPD. This course explains how the lungs are harmed, how to recognize airborne hazards, and why the best protection is controlling dust and fumes at the source with water, local exhaust ventilation and vacuums before relying on a respirator. You will learn the main points of OSHA's respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) and the respirable crystalline silica standards (29 CFR 1926.1153 for construction and 1910.1053 for general industry), including exposure limits, Table 1 methods, exposure control plans, medical exams and training. You will learn the differences between filtering facepieces, elastomeric half and full facepieces, powered air-purifying and supplied-air respirators, how to read NIOSH filter ratings, why fit testing and seal checks matter, and how to inspect, clean and store respirators. It is an awareness-level course and does not replace the medical evaluation, fit testing and written program that your employer must provide.

What you’ll learn

• Explain how airborne hazards harm the lungs and which diseases they cause
• Describe OSHA's respiratory protection and silica requirements
• Control dust at the source with water, ventilation and vacuums
• Choose the right respirator and read NIOSH filter ratings
• Complete a user seal check and understand fit testing and medical evaluation
• Inspect, clean, store and replace respirators and know their limits

Who it’s for

Construction, demolition, masonry, concrete, stone, tile, mining, foundry, manufacturing and maintenance workers, supervisors, safety coordinators and anyone who may wear a respirator or work around dust and fumes. No experience is needed.

Course outline

Module 1: Airborne Hazards and the Lungs 3 lessons · quiz

Types of airborne hazards, how they harm the lungs, and the diseases to know.

• Dusts, fumes, vapors and gases 12 min Free preview
• How the lungs are harmed 12 min
• Finding and measuring the hazard 10 min

Module 2: Silica Dust and OSHA's Silica Rule 3 lessons · quiz

Where silica is found, the OSHA exposure limits and Table 1, and the exposure control plan.

• What respirable crystalline silica is 12 min Free preview
• OSHA's silica standard 14 min
• Common silica controls 10 min

Module 3: Choosing the Right Respirator 3 lessons · quiz

Types of respirators, NIOSH filter ratings, cartridges, and when each is appropriate.

• The respiratory protection standard 12 min Free preview
• Types of respirators 14 min
• Filters and cartridges 12 min

Module 4: Fit, Use and Care of Respirators 3 lessons · quiz

Medical evaluation, fit testing, seal checks, daily use, cleaning, storage and limits.

• Medical evaluation and fit testing 12 min Free preview
• Seal checks and wearing it right 12 min
• Inspection, cleaning, storage and limits 10 min

What’s included

• 12 lessons you can read at your own pace, on a phone or a computer
• A short quiz after every module, with the correct answer shown for any you miss
• A final exam of 20 questions (pass at 80% or higher)
• A numbered certificate of completion with a QR code anyone can scan to verify it
• Your progress saved to your account, with access that doesn’t expire

Questions

Can an employer check my certificate? Yes. Each certificate has a number and a QR code that opens a public verification page on this site.

Can I get a refund? Yes, within 7 days of purchase if you have completed less than 25% of the course and haven’t earned its certificate. Email support@toddallynmedia.com. Details are in section 13 of the Terms of Use. Payment is handled by PayPal; we never see your card details.

What do I need? A free account and any phone, tablet or computer. Questions or problems? Email support@toddallynmedia.com.