BUSINESS ACCOUNTS
Cal/OSHA Cotton Dust Safety
Online Training Certificate Course
Title 8 CCR, Section 5190
From the highest rated and most trusted online training company - since 2008.
This online certification course meets the requirements for cotton dust safety training in the state of California. It covers important OSHA safety training standards including applicable regulations, risks, and key safety practices.
Cotton dust is a colorless, odorless, and potentially dangerous byproduct of handling raw and partially treated cotton. Yarn and textile workers who inhale large amounts of cotton dust are at risk for byssinosis, a disabling lung disease commonly referred to as "brown lung." Because overexposure to cotton dust is preventable, workers must understand and follow the safety measures that prevent exposure.
This course is for:
Employees who work in yarn manufacturing, slashing and weaving operations, or other textile operations are exposed to cotton dust. Any employee who is exposed to this fine dust needs adequate OSHA safety training. This online training meets these requirements.
Case Study: In 1962, researchers noticed that people working with medical-grade cotton (that is, cotton that had been washed with alkali scour and bleach) experienced no byssinosis symptoms despite being exposed to high levels of cotton dust. On the other hand, twenty-five percent of workers exposed to similar levels of unwashed cotton experienced symptoms. Furthermore, workers exposed to medical-grade cotton were found to have no decrease in their breathing capacity, compared to a significant decrease in breathing capacity in those exposed to unwashed cotton, even when the amount of dust and the particle size remained the same. Shortly afterward, another study determined that the harmful substances in cotton dust are water soluble, suggesting that milder washing was also a possible means of reducing byssinosis. More severe forms of washing make it harder to process cotton into yarn, so it is not always possible to reduce exposure this way.
Key Takeaways: This research is the foundation of the exemption levels in 8 CCR 5190. It helped establish a minimum level of washing that could safely remove contaminants. It also helped build an understanding of why cotton dust is harmful, although scientists have yet to agree on what substance within cotton dust causes byssinosis.
Governing Regulations
California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) sets and enforces standards pertaining to cotton dust exposure. Regulations regarding cotton dust safety can be found in Title 8 of California's Code of Regulations (CCR) in Section 5190.
What You'll Learn
Introduction to Cotton Dust Safety Training
- Key Terms
- High Risk Jobs
- Common Pulmonary Diseases
- Symptoms and Health Effects of Exposure to Cotton Dust
- Exposure Statistics
- Applicable Regulations
- Federal Regulations
- Cal/OSHA Safety Orders
Employer Responsibilities
- Exposure Levels
- Dust Monitoring Devices
- Initial Monitoring
- Periodic Monitoring
- Safety Program
- Engineering Controls
- Other Requirements
- Training
- Exemptions
Work Practices
- Restrictions on Using Compressed Air for Cleaning
- Other Requirements
- Good Cleaning Practices
Respirators
- Facial Attachments-Tight Fitting Coverings
- Facial Attachments-Loose Fitting Coverings
- Air Purifying Respirators
- Powered Air Purifying Respirators
- Supplied Air Respirators
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
- Fit Testing
Medical Examinations
- Initial Examination
- Schilling's Byssinosis Classification
- Spirometry
- Further Examinations
- Doctor's Opinion
Summary
Additional Resources
Exam
Most of our courses take about two (2) hours to complete. If a final exam is included, you should plan for an additional 30 minutes. Courses that require additional training time will clearly state that in the course title or description.
You’ll have unlimited access during your enrollment or access period. Most CTO courses must be completed within 90 days of purchase. OSHA-authorized Outreach Training provides up to 180 days to finish the course and required survey. Timeframes vary depending on the specific course and regulatory requirements. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for more details.
Because our courses are self-paced, you can log in and out as needed and complete your training on a schedule that works best for you.
Employers must provide training at the time of initial assignment to tasks where an employee may encounter cotton dust. This online certification course meets these training requirements. According to California OSHA, retraining must be provided at least annually following the completion of initial training. Retraining should always occur when there is a change in working conditions or when the employer observes a need for employee re-education.
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