Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a mineral that occurs naturally and is widely distributed.
It forms the main component of rocks and soils.
Silicon dioxide is available in crystalline and non-crystalline forms.
Quartz (CAS 14808-60-7) is the most common form of crystalline silicon dioxide.
Anyone who works in an industry where silica exposure is a concern should receive training on the subject.
Construction, mining, manufacturing, etc., are all included.
You can reduce the risks of silica-related health problems by properly training your workers.
Here are 10 tips for getting the most from your silica training.
Work Activities Which May Pose a High-Risk Exposure
Some work activities that can cause high-risk exposure are according to Safe Work Australia are:
- Power tools are used to cut, grind or polish natural and engineered stone countertops.
- Excavation and earthmoving operations.
- Clay and Stone Processing Machine Operations.
- Paving and surfacing.
- Mineral ore processing, mining, and quarrying processes.
- Construction of roads and tunnels.
- Construction and demolition.
- Cutting bricks, stones or concrete; especially using dry methods.
- Abrasive blasting.
- Foundry Casting
- Concrete or masonry can be chiselled, ground, or hammered with an angle grinder, a jackhammer, and/or a chisel.
- Hydraulic fracture in oil and gas wells.
- Pottery making.
- Crushing, loading, hauling, and dumping rock.
10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Silica Training
1 – Understand the Risks
Before starting any training, it’s important to understand the risks associated with silica exposure. Silica dust is a known carcinogen and can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By understanding the risks, you can better convey the importance of the training to your employees.
2 – Choose the Right Training Program
There are many different training programs available for silica training. It’s important to choose one that is comprehensive and covers all aspects of silica exposure and control. Look for programs that are accredited by reputable organisations in Australia, such as Safe Work Australia.
3 – Ask Questions During Training
Involving your employees in the training process can help increase their engagement and retention of the information. Encourage them to ask questions and participate in discussions. This will also help them feel more invested in their own safety and the safety of their coworkers.
4 – Emphasise the Importance of Dust Control
One of the key components of silica training is learning how to control dust on the job site. Make sure to emphasise the importance of this and provide practical tips and techniques for controlling dust. This can include using water to suppress dust, using ventilation systems, and wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
5 – Provide Hands-On Training
While classroom training is important, hands-on training is also crucial for employees to fully understand how to control dust and protect themselves. This includes demonstrations of dust control techniques and practicing using PPE. This will also give employees the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback.
6 – Offer Refresher Courses
Silica training should not be a one-time event. It’s important to offer refresher courses to employees to ensure they are up to date on the latest safety protocols and techniques. This can also help reinforce the importance of dust control and keep it at the forefront of employees’ minds.
7 – Encourage Open Communication
Creating a culture of open communication is essential for maintaining a safe work environment. Encourage employees to report any potential health hazards or concerns related to silica exposure. This will help identify and address any issues before they become a serious problem.
8 – Provide Resources for Further Learning
In addition to training, it’s important to provide employees with resources for further learning. This includes informational handouts, online resources, and access to experts in the field. This will help employees stay informed and up to date on the latest developments in silica exposure and control.
9 – Leadership Example
As a manager or supervisor, it’s important to lead by example when it comes to silica training and dust control. Make sure to follow all safety protocols and wear proper PPE when working in areas with potential silica exposure. This will show employees that you take their safety seriously and encourage them to do the same.
10 – Continuously Evaluate and Improve
Finally, it’s important to continuously evaluate and improve your silica training program. This includes gathering feedback from employees, monitoring the effectiveness of dust control measures, and staying up to date on any changes in regulations or best practices.
Silica Safety and Health guidelines: Stay Updated
Safety practices and regulations don’t remain static.
They are constantly evolving.
The silica training and health field is a good example.
It is important to stay up to date with current safety protocols and research methods as the field of silica health and training continues to evolve.
Why stay updated?
It’s not enough to tick a box for compliance.
It’s more important to invest time in proactive safety, both for individuals and the collective.
This proactive approach will help to prevent future safety threats at the workplace.
How to Stay Updated?
You can stay informed about silica safety and health guidelines in several ways.
- Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins at reliable sources, such as health and Safety organisations, professional associations or regulatory bodies.
- Blogs/newsletter subscription: They offer the most recent updates in small, easily digestible pieces.
- Webinar/conference attendance: Attend webinars and conferences to hear the latest research directly from experts in the field.
- Do Research: Stay abreast of the latest research in silica management and handling.
AlertForce Training Module
AlertForce offers a 10830NAT Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention Training, Nationally Accredited training course that is certified to raise awareness of the dangers associated with exposure to crystalline silica.
This course will teach you how to implement and plan safe work systems to reduce silica exposure to workers while staying within the legal exposure limits.
Building and construction workers, workers in the jewellery industry, and even DIY enthusiasts should be aware of crystalline silica, as well as how to minimise exposure.
Nothing is more important than ensuring that workers are working in safe conditions. AlertForce’s goal is to educate workers in a way that helps them make informed decisions.
All of our courses are designed in accordance with the standards set by relevant bodies and taught by experts in their field.
The 10830NAT Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention Training course is delivered in a four-hour block to students in NSW and ACT.
