Registration is available for all OHAO member hygienists to attend a virtual workshop hosted by OHAO on November 28, 2023, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Registration for this workshop comes with a one-year license to the Ontario Silica Control Tool. This tool is currently only available to workers and employers in the construction industry but access is being offered to OHAO member hygienists for a one year period.

There is no cost to participate but you must be an active OHAO member and must register before November 14, 2023 to participate.

Speakers: Shirly Yan of OHCOW and Melanie Gorman Ng of BCCSA.

The Ontario Silica Control Tool™ is a free online tool that enables users to conduct appropriate risk assessments and implement effective controls where respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust may be generated. This tool is intended for workplaces where air sampling and monitoring may be challenging or difficult.

IMPORTANT: You MUST register prior to November 14, 2023 in order to participate.  Late registrations cannot be accepted because a two week window is required to process the license for the tool. 

By registering for this event, you agree to OHAO’s providing the personal data you submit as part of your registration for the purpose to set up an account on your behalf with OHCOW (Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers) and BCCSA (BC Construction Safety Alliance)

Learning Objectives:

• Review of silica related hazards and exposures
• Introduction to the NEW web-based Ontario Silica Control Tool
• Participants will be able to utilize and facilitate use of the tool for others

What does the Tool do:

• The Silica Control Tool™ is designed to generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust exposure estimates for various processes, such as sanding drywall or chipping concrete.
• The Tool assists employers in conducting appropriate risk assessments and implementing effective controls and safe work practices where RCS dust may be an occupational hazard.
• The Tool is ever evolving and is currently based on a database of greater than 5,000 personal RCS measurements.
• The Tool predicts exposure levels with and without controls and compares both to the accepted exposure limit. The Tool produces electronic (PDF) Exposure Control Plans.
• The Silica Control Tool™ uses a predictive equation bases on linear regression modelling, using data from the exposure database (including data from consultants, industry, and government sources).
• The Tool ultimately identifies processes that may lead to exposures over the allowable exposure control limit, provides information about how to bring the exposure within the allowable limit, and produces a corresponding Exposure Control Plan (ECP) for the user.