When working in construction, mining, foundries, sandblasting, or industrial manufacturing, workers may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica — a hazardous airborne dust produced during cutting, grinding, drilling, or crushing of materials like concrete, stone, brick, or mortar. Silica is a naturally occurring mineral, but when inhaled in its respirable form, it poses serious health risks.
In Canada, respirable crystalline silica is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans. The most serious health effect is silicosis, an incurable and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by long-term exposure. It also increases the risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. (Source: Government of Canada, Crystalline silica – information sheet, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/fact-sheets/chemicals-glance/crystalline-silica.html)
SILICA DEFINITION
What is Crystalline Silica?
Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials like sand, stone, concrete, and mortar. When these materials are cut, drilled, ground, or crushed, they release respirable crystalline silica dust — a fine, airborne particulate that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Crystalline silica is not hazardous in its solid form. However, when reduced to respirable dust, it becomes a major health hazard, especially in construction, mining, quarrying, tunneling, foundries, and manufacturing operations.
- Chemical Name: Silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
- Other Names: Crystalline silica, quartz dust, silica dust
- CAS Registry No.: 14808-60-7 (Quartz)
- Main Uses: Construction materials, glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, foundry molds
- Appearance: Solid crystal or dust (white or colorless)
- Inhalation hazard: Fine particles not visible to the naked eye
Canadian WHMIS Classification: Carcinogenicity – Category 1A
Environmental Status: Listed under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA)
(Source: Government of Canada, Crystalline Silica – Information Sheet, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/fact-sheets/chemicals-glance/crystalline-silica.html)
What are the Main Hazards of Silica?
Respirable crystalline silica poses serious short-term and long-term health risks. The most critical include:
- Silicosis (Primary Health Risk) - Silicosis is a chronic, progressive, and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust over time. The fine particles lodge in the lungs and cause scarring, which reduces the ability to breathe.
- Lung Cancer - Silica is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC. Long-term occupational exposure is linked to increased risk of lung cancer, even in non-smokers.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Tuberculosis - Silica exposure increases vulnerability to COPD, chronic bronchitis, and tuberculosis, due to its damaging effect on lung tissue and immune response.
- Kidney Disease - Prolonged exposure may also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, including glomerulonephritis and end-stage renal failure.
What are the Key Components of Silica Safety?
To protect workers from the dangers of crystalline silica, the following controls are essential:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Workers in silica-prone environments must use appropriate PPE, including N95 (or higher) respirators, protective eyewear, and coveralls to limit inhalation and contamination.
- Dust Monitoring and Air Sampling - Employers should conduct regular air monitoring to assess the concentration of respirable silica and ensure compliance with exposure limits set by provincial OH&S regulations (e.g., 0.05 mg/m³ in Ontario and Alberta).
- Engineering Controls - Use wet methods, local exhaust ventilation, and enclosed systems to reduce airborne dust at the source. These are the most effective long-term controls.
- Safe Work Procedures - Develop and enforce silica exposure control plans, including tool-specific protocols, restricted access zones, and training on high-risk tasks such as cutting or grinding concrete.
- Housekeeping and Decontamination - Use HEPA-filtered vacuums, wet sweeping, and no dry brushing to clean work areas. Workers should change clothes and shower if possible before leaving dusty zones.
- Health Surveillance and Training - Medical screening (including lung function tests and chest X-rays) should be provided for workers at risk. Training should cover hazard recognition, safe work practices, and emergency procedures.
SILICA LEGISLATION IN CANADA
What is federal legislation?
At the federal level, the Canada Labour Code governs occupational health and safety in federally regulated workplaces. Employers are legally required to identify hazards, assess risks, provide proper training, and establish protective procedures related to silica exposure. (Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html).
Additionally, crystalline silica is listed under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) as a toxic substance, which obliges employers to control emissions and limit worker exposure. Federal requirements are also informed by national standards developed by organizations such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and guidance from Health Canada. These bodies recommend exposure limits, engineering controls, and worker surveillance to mitigate silica-related health risks. (Source: Government of Canada, Crystalline Silica – Information Sheet, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/fact-sheets/chemicals-glance/crystalline-silica.html)
What is provincial and territorial legislation?
Each Canadian province and territory enforces its own occupational health and safety laws, which include provisions specifically addressing crystalline silica. These regulations typically require employers to conduct exposure assessments, implement control measures, provide worker training, and monitor airborne silica concentrations.
For example, in Ontario, Regulation 490/09 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act designates silica as a hazardous substance and sets a time-weighted average exposure limit (TWAEV) of 0.05 mg/m³ for respirable quartz. Employers must implement controls such as ventilation, wet cutting, and appropriate PPE to reduce exposure.
In Alberta, the Occupational Health and Safety Code mandates similar limits and also requires employers to develop an exposure control plan (ECP) and provide medical surveillance for at-risk workers.
In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC requires an ECP for all worksites where workers may be exposed to silica dust, along with mandatory air monitoring, engineering controls, and training in hazard recognition and safe work procedures.
Other jurisdictions, including Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories, have comparable regulatory frameworks that outline responsibilities related to silica control, PPE, and worker protection programs. Regardless of the province, failure to comply with silica regulations can result in significant penalties, stop-work orders, or long-term health consequences for exposed workers.
SILICA AWARENESS TRAINING
What is Silica Awareness Training?
Silica Awareness Training provides workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and control hazards related to respirable crystalline silica in the workplace.
Who is responsible for Silica Safety Training?
According to the Canada Labour Code and all provincial occupational health and safety regulations, employers are legally responsible for providing silica training to any worker who may be occupationally exposed to respirable crystalline silica. This training must be delivered before the worker begins high-risk tasks and refresher training must be offered when work conditions change, when new equipment is introduced, or if a worker shows signs of unsafe practices.
(Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html; also see section 25(2)(a) of the Ontario OHSA)
Who needs Silica Awareness Training?
Silica Awareness Training is required in any industry where silica dust may be generated or present, including:
• Construction (e.g., concrete sawing, jackhammering, demolition)
• Mining and quarrying
• Foundries and metal casting
• Ceramics, glass, and brick manufacturing
• Oil and gas services (e.g., fracking and sandblasting)
• Tunneling and cement work
• Any environment involving cutting, grinding, or crushing of silica-containing materials
In particular, workers who perform high-dust-generating tasks or those working in confined spaces with poor ventilation must receive silica training aligned with the exposure risk level.
Can you take Silica Awareness Training online?
This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.
Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.
Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.
However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it's essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.
Where can you purchase Silica Awareness Training online?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your safety training done. There are many methods and providers Silica Awareness training. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.
Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
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SILICA AWARENESS CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
To obtain a Silica Awareness certificate, workers must complete training that covers the properties and health effects of respirable crystalline silica, routes of exposure, occupational exposure limits, safe work practices, engineering and administrative controls, air monitoring procedures, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 respirators. The training may also include case studies, interactive modules, or demonstrations to ensure that workers understand how to reduce exposure risks and respond to silica-related hazards on site.
How long is the certificate valid?
In Canada, the validity period of a Silica Awareness certificate typically depends on provincial or territorial regulations. In most jurisdictions, certification is valid for a period of 3 years, but employers may require more frequent refresher training based on the nature of work, changes in procedures, introduction of new equipment, or if a worker exhibits unsafe practices. It is essential to consult the applicable occupational health and safety authority in your region to confirm specific requirements.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my Silica Awareness certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
Silica exposure remains a serious occupational health risk across many industries in Canada. By completing Silica Awareness Training, workers gain the knowledge they need to identify hazards, follow safe work practices, and use protective equipment effectively. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure workers are trained, certification is up to date, and refresher courses are provided when necessary. A well-informed workforce is the first line of defense against long-term health consequences caused by respirable crystalline silica.
