Dust Management Awareness

Understanding Dust Management Awareness

This module raises awareness of the health and safety risks associated with occupational dust exposure. Dust Management Training covers common hazardous dust types including silica, wood, asbestos, flour, and grain and explains how these can affect respiratory health, trigger asthma, or even cause fatal diseases such as silicosis. The module also addresses the risk of combustible dust explosions and outlines how to manage dust hazards using the hierarchy of controls, risk assessments, and appropriate PPE.

By the end of this module, you will be able to understand:

1. Dust Hazards
2. Types of Hazardous Dust
3. Dust Explosions
4. Managing Risks
5. Hierarchy of Controls

Relevant Australian Legislation:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) – Requires PCBUs to ensure workers are not exposed to health and safety risks, including airborne contaminants.
• WHS Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Includes specific duties related to airborne contaminants, hazardous substances, and risk management processes.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• State-based silica and dust control codes (e.g., NSW Code of Practice: Managing Silica Dust in the Workplace)

This module will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.