Silica Dust Course

An outline of the best ways to be prepared for the course and the best conditions in which to take it.

An overview on how to go through the different sections of the course and what you will need to achieve to pass the course.

The best ways to get any assistance during the course.

A reminder of what to expect from the course and what it does or does not allow you to do in relation to silica dust.

This introduction will provide you with a summary of the purposes of the course.

Explaining the importance of understanding and being aware of silica dust.

A short overview of the topics you will learn about throughout the course.

Silica Dust, often referred to as Respirable Crystalline Silica, is commonly produced when materials containing silica interact with some sort of process or activity.

This dust is one of the oldest workplace hazards – and it still causes hundreds of thousands of deaths across the world every year.

Silica had been wildly used by ancient civilisations in the making of tools, in the form of sharp flints.

Employer duties of care in both Australia and the US can be quickly summarised as

When these materials are worked on, silica is released as a fine dust known as respirable crystalline silica or silica dust.

Where in buildings, manufacturing, construction, sites can it be found?

Working in an environment where silica dust/respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is commonly present can cause a variety of respiratory illnesses, such as

The very nature of silica dust; comprised of small particles and therefore becoming airborne extremely easily, makes it incredibly easy to breathe in when working.

This illness makes breathing more difficult and increases the risk of lung infections

In many countries, employers have a legal responsibility to carry out risk assessments in situations where there is exposure to silica

Employers must comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (as amended) and need to

Your responsibilities when working to keep yourself aware and safe from potential exposure.

There are some quite simple ways to help reduce the risks posed by silica dust.

Silica Dust Summary

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of the Silica Dust course.