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In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), silica awareness training has become a mandatory requirement for construction industry workers.

This move aims to mitigate the risks associated with exposure to silica dust, which can have severe consequences for workplace health.

But what about other Australian territories?

Do they have similar legislation in place to protect their construction workers from the dangers of silica exposure?

This article explores the current state of silica awareness training across Australia, examining the relevant legislation and regulations in different Australian territories.

What Is Silicon Dioxide?

Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a mineral that occurs naturally.

Silica is available in many forms. It can be crystalline or non-crystalline.

Quartz is the most common silica form.

Some stones, rocks, and sand are made of silica.

Silica dust is also found in:

  1. Bricks.
  2. Pavers.
  3. Tiles.
  4. Сoncrete.

Respirable crystalline dust or silica is the very fine part of dust generated.

Dust is produced when natural stone, rock, and other products containing silica are cut, crushed, or sanded.

The ACT Silica Dust Action Plan outlines work health and safety changes to manage the risks associated with crystalline silica at the workplace.

What Is Silica Awareness Training?

Silica awareness training is a programme designed to educate individuals on the risks associated with exposure to silica dust in the workplace.

Its primary purpose is to provide workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and mitigate safety risks related to silica exposure.

Importance of Silica Awareness Training

With the construction industry being one of the most significant contributors to silica exposure, it’s crucial that construction workers understand the risks and take necessary precautions to minimise their exposure.

Training programmes focussed on silica awareness provide workers with a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with silica exposure, including the health effects of prolonged exposure, relevant legislation, and safe systems for prevention.

By completing silica awareness training, workers can reduce their risk of exposure and contribute to safe work practices.

This is particularly important in regions like Western Australia and South Australia, where the construction industry is a significant contributor to the economy.

Workplace Activities That Generate Silica Dust Particles

Construction and Demolition

Demolition and construction activities are significant contributors to silica dust generation.

During these processes, workers use power tools to cut, drill, and crush materials containing silica, releasing fine dust particles into the air.

Construction workers, in particular, are at high risk of exposure to silica dust, which can lead to serious risks to health if not managed properly.

Mining and Drilling

With the extraction of minerals and resources, mining and drilling activities also generate significant amounts of silica dust.

The drilling and crushing of rocks and soil release silica particles, which can become airborne and pose a risk to workers’ health.

In Western Australia, for instance, mining is a significant industry, and the risk of silica exposure is a major concern.

The mining and drilling industries are heavily regulated, and workers are required to undergo silica awareness training to minimise the risks associated with silica exposure.

Employers must conduct risk assessments and implement safe systems to prevent or minimise exposure to silica dust.

Manufacturing and Processing

Mining-like activities occur in manufacturing and processing industries, where raw materials containing silica are processed and transformed into various products.

During these processes, silica dust particles are generated, posing a risk to workers’ health.

Manufacturing processes, such as stone cutting and polishing, also generate silica dust.

Employers in these industries must ensure that workers are equipped with protective equipment and undergo silica awareness training to minimise the risks associated with silica exposure.

Remember to check out our Silica Awareness ACT Training course to learn more about the risks of silica exposure and how to prevent them in your workplace.

What Is the Legislation for Silica in Australia?

  • National Workplace Standards: In Australia, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act provides a national framework to ensure workplace safety, including regulations around silica exposure.
  • Exposure Limits: Safe Work Australia has set the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica at 0.05 mg/m³ over an eight-hour workday.
  • ·Health Monitoring: Employers are required to provide health monitoring for workers who may be exposed to silica dust, ensuring any health issues are detected early.
  • Control Measures: The WHS regulations mandate the implementation of control measures to minimise silica dust exposure, such as using water suppression and local exhaust ventilation.
  • Training and Education: Employers must ensure that workers receive adequate training and information about the risks of silica exposure and how to protect themselves.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When other control measures are not enough, providing appropriate PPE, like respirators, is required to protect workers from silica dust.
  • State-Specific Requirements: While the WHS Act provides a national standard, specific states and territories might have additional requirements or codes of practice, so it’s important to check your local regulations.

Health Risks Associated with Silica Exposure

Respiratory Problems

When silica dust is inhaled, it can cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.

Silicosis and Other Diseases

Silicosis is a debilitating lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust.

It can lead to severe respiratory problems, lung cancer, and even death.

Silicosis is a significant concern for workers in the construction industry, where silica exposure is common.

Plus, research has shown that silica exposure is linked to other diseases, including kidney disease, tuberculosis, and autoimmune disorders.

Long-term Consequences

Chronic silica exposure can lead to irreversible lung damage, so workers must take preventative measures to minimise their risk of exposure.

Problems can arise even after exposure has ceased, as silica particles can remain in the lungs for years, causing ongoing inflammation and damage.

It is crucial for workers to undergo regular health check-ups and air monitoring to detect any potential health issues early on.

Silica Awareness ACT Training Requirements

Once again, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has taken a proactive approach to ensuring workplace health and safety by making silica awareness training mandatory for certain workers.

Mandatory Training for Workers

Awareness of the risks associated with silica exposure is crucial for workers in the construction industry.

As a result, the ACT government has made it compulsory for workers who perform high-risk tasks, such as drilling, cutting, or grinding, to undergo silica awareness training.

This silica awareness ACT aims to educate workers on the risks of silica exposure, how to identify hazards, and implement safe work practices to minimise exposure.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in the ACT must provide a safe working environment, conduct risk assessments, and implement systems for prevention and control of silica dust exposure.

Silica awareness training is a critical component of an employer’s responsibility. They must ensure that their workers have completed the mandatory silica awareness training and have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job roles safely.

Employers must also provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure that workers understand how to use it correctly.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the mandatory silica awareness training requirements can result in serious penalties, including fines and even criminal prosecution.

With the risks associated with silica exposure being so severe, it is crucial that employers and workers take their responsibilities seriously.

Non-compliance can have devastating consequences, including respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and even death.

By complying with the mandatory training requirements, employers and workers can minimise the risks associated with silica exposure and ensure a safer working environment.

AlertForce offers a comprehensive Silica Awareness Training course that meets the requirements of the ACT legislation.

Enrol today and ensure you’re compliant with the regulations!

Comparison with Other Australian States and Territories

National standards provide a foundation for silica awareness training, but individual states and territories have their own legislation and regulations.

Silica Awareness Training Requirements Across Australia

New South Wales

The New South Wales Government has implemented strict regulations to minimise the risks associated with silica exposure.

While silica awareness training is not mandatory for all industries, it is highly recommended for workers in the construction industry who are at a higher risk of exposure to silica dust.

Industry-Specific Regulations

Regulations in New South Wales require employers in the construction industry to conduct risk assessments and implement safe systems to minimise silica exposure.

This includes providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring that workers are trained to handle power tools safely.

This also includes conducting air monitoring and providing training on safe work practices.

In New South Wales, employers who fail to comply with these regulations face penalties and fines.

Victoria

Victoria has implemented specific regulations to ensure workers are protected from the risks of silica exposure.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, employers are required to provide training to employees who may be exposed to silica dust in the workplace.

Industry-Specific Regulations

The Code of Practice for Managing Exposure to Silica Dust in Construction Work outlines the necessary steps employers must take to minimise the risks associated with silica dust.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, employers must conduct risk assessments, implement safe systems of work, and provide personal protective equipment to employees.

Additionally, employers must also monitor the air quality and provide training to employees on the safe use of power tools and other equipment that may generate silica dust.

Queensland

Any employer in Queensland with workers exposed to silica dust must ensure they receive adequate training on the risks associated with silica exposure and the necessary control measures to minimise those risks.

The Queensland Government has implemented specific regulations to address this risk, including the requirement for employers to conduct risk assessments and implement safe systems of work to minimise exposure to silica dust.

Additionally, the government provides guidelines for air monitoring and recommends the use of protective equipment to reduce the risk of silica exposure.

Employers must also ensure that their workers have successfully completed silica awareness training as part of their job roles.

Western Australia

Keep in mind that while silica awareness training is not mandatory in Western Australia, there are still regulations and guidelines in place to protect workers from the risks of silica exposure.

An industry-specific code of practice, such as the Code of Practice: Prevention of Occupational Diseases from Exposure to Airborne Contaminants, provides guidance on managing the risks associated with silica exposure in the construction industry.

South Australia

SafeWork SA, the state’s workplace health and safety regulator, recommends that employers provide training to workers who may be exposed to silica dust

Any employer in the construction industry in South Australia must comply with the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA), which cover the management of risks associated with silica exposure.

South Australia’s construction industry is subject to specific regulations regarding silica exposure.

For instance, the Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Powered Hand Tools in the Construction Industry provides guidelines for employers to minimise the risks of silica exposure when using power tools.

Tasmania

WorkSafe Tasmania requires employers to provide silica awareness training to employees who are at risk of exposure to silica dust in the workplace.

Any employer in Tasmania who operates in an industry where silica exposure is a risk must comply with the relevant legislation and regulations, including the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012.

Requirements for silica awareness training in Tasmania are guided by the national standards and guidelines set by Safe Work Australia.

Employers must ensure that their workers successfully complete silica awareness training, which covers topics such as the risks of silica exposure, safe systems of work, and the use of protective equipment.

Northern Territory

Northern Territory WorkSafe, the territory’s workplace health and safety regulator, recommends that employers conduct regular air monitoring to assess the level of silica exposure in the workplace.

Employers must also provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers who may be exposed to silica dust and ensure that they are trained in its proper use.

Additionally, employers must develop and implement systems for prevention and control of silica exposure, including providing safe work practices and procedures for handling power tools and other equipment that may generate silica dust.

Successful completion of silica awareness training is crucial for ensuring workplace health and safety, particularly in the construction industry where exposure to silica dust is a significant risk.

To Wrap Up

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has taken a significant step towards ensuring workplace health and safety by making silica awareness training mandatory.

While this is a commendable move, it raises questions about the legislation for silica awareness training in other Australian states.

As silica exposure poses significant health risks, all states and territories should follow the ACT’s lead and implement similar measures to protect construction workers.

By doing so, Australia is moving closer to achieving national standards for silica awareness training, ultimately reducing the risk of exposure and promoting safe work practices across the construction industry.

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