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A new rule introduced by SafeWork Australia requires that workers who handle crystalline silica materials (CSS), defined as substances containing more than 1 % silica, must now be trained. This is part of the Silica and Dust Diseases education campaign. For more information visit WorkSafe Tasmania (https://worksafe.tas.gov.au/
The following are some of the work activities that can cause silica dust:
- Installing and changing engineered stone benches
- Digging, earthmoving and drilling
- Clay and stone processing
- Paving and surfacing
- Mining, quarrying, and mineral ore treatment
- tunnelling
- construction labouring
- Cutting brick, concrete, tiles or stone; preferably using dry methods
- abrasive blasting (blasting products must not contain more that 1% crystalline silica).
- Factory metal casting
- Angle grinding, jack-hammering, and chiselling concrete or stone
- Hydraulic fracturing is the process of fracturing gas and oil wells.
- Pottery making.
About half of the earth’s crust is silicon dioxide. Crystalline Silica can be found in soil, sand and granite. It is also present in grout, bitumen and rock, gravel, cement, clay, and engineered stone.
Quartz is the most common crystalline silica. Cristobalite, and Tridymite, are two other forms crystalline silica. All three forms can become respirable particles when workers cut, grind, drill or chip objects that contain silica. Silica is the generic term used to describe crystalline silica, including crystalline quartz.
Since the beginning of stone masonry, and mining, silica has been a health hazard. It has caused millions of cases of illness and death.
The increasing number of workers affected by respirable crystalline silica has made this a hot topic. Australia and other countries have seen a rise in the diagnosis of silicosis in workers who work in mining, construction, and now with engineered stones.
Why do you need to complete the 10830NAT Silica exposure prevention course?
It is already directly mandated in ACT and NSW as a mandatory training course and has become a requirement for all workers entering a construction site. This will be in addition to the White Card (formerly 10675NAT) and the 11084NAT course in Asbestos Awareness in the ACT. Employers also have an obligation under the WHS Act to provide training around known hazards and risks.
Silica is found in many industries including the extractive industry and in the manufacture of concrete-based building materials. The following industries are typical but not limited:
- Tunnelling
- Construction, including granite grinding and polishing
- Foundries
- Stonemasonry
- Cement manufacturing
- Power generation
- Ceramics
- Brick and tile manufacturing
- Metal polishing
- Abrasive blasting
- The Mining Industry
- Quarrying
According Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011,, PCBUs are required to ensure that workers who may be exposed to asbestos or asbestos-containing material (ACMs), attend a course approved in asbestos awareness.
What are the learning outcomes for Silica Exposure Prevention Trainings?
The Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention specifies what is required to recognize the workplace health and security risks and hazards that are inherent in working with products containing crystalline silica and to plan and implement safe systems of work to reduce exposure to within the mandatory exposure limits.
The course outcomes are applicable to workers in the building and construction industry, workers in the jewellery industry, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone whose health and well-being may be at risk due to exposure to crystalline silica dust.
Graduates will be able identify and apply these knowledges within the context of the job role they are in for their own safety as well as the safety of co-workers and bystanders.
* Identification of products containing crystalline silica
* The relevant legislation and standards
* Health hazards, risks and consequences of exposure
Exposure standards
Safety Data Sheets
Hierarchy of Controls
* Systems to prevent exposure
* Hazard prevention and risk assessment
How long does the 10830NAT course last?
The awareness training is a 4-hour course. It provides a general overview on how to protect yourself from silica. The course can be completed face to face or in some circumstances via Live Webinar.
Can you take the 10830NAT course online?
The course must be delivered face-to-face at this stage. There may be an opportunity to do the course via webinar. Please contact AlertForce at 1800 900222 to find out if this is possible.
What Accreditation will you receive?
Once you are deemed competent, a Statement of Achievement in 10830NAT Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention will be issued to you. This will be your proof of completion if the course is made mandatory by legislation.
Only approved training organisations on training.gov.au can offer face-to-face courses. Online courses may be offered by some websites, but they may not meet national standards.
How much does 10830NAT training cost?
The cost depends on the course and the training organisation. AlertForce charges $397 per person.Up to a 50% rebate is available via Keystone Tasmania for eligible participants.
Regular Silica Exposure Prevention Training in Canberra will take place. You may be eligible for a discount if you have multiple employees who need to complete the training.
Is funding available for the 10830NAT course in Silica Prevention Exposure?
Ask about Keystone Tasmanie subsides if you work primarily in Tasmania.
