Respirable Crystalline Silica

How are employees exposed? What activities put workers at increased risk? What control measures can be put in place to limit exposure? When is air sampling required? How is Table 1 used to develop safe work practices? What does the medical clearance look like and what triggers medical surveillance? We will tackle the questions and more. This presentation is designed to provide a basic overview of the essential elements of the standard. The particulate in question is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. The adverse health effects (ex. Silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is 100% preventable. 

Presented by Kevin O’Brien, EHS Director, Access Compliance, LLC

Kevin O’Brien, EHS Director, is responsible for managing employee safety and health. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of New York at New Paltz. He has 11 years of Occupational Safety and Health experience. 

Kevin is a Special Government Employee (SGE) for the VPP Program. Kevin previously served as Treasurer on the Executive Board for the Voluntary Protection Program Participants Association (VPPPA Region 2) and currently serves on the Construction Committee for VPPPA National. 

Kevin is an OSHA Outreach Trainer for both General Industry and Construction. He is an authorized trainer through an EPA-approved training provider for the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP). Kevin is also a NIOSH-Certified Spirometry Technician, Fall Protection Competent Person Trainer, Permit Required Confined Space Competent Person Trainer, and Certified Breath Alcohol & Drug Collection Trainer. Kevin also develops written programs and training materials for municipal, general industry and construction clients. Examples include silica, respiratory protection, hearing conservation, electrical safety, permit required confined space, lockout/tagout and hazardous communications.