Silica Dust Awareness
This Silica Dust Awareness module provides learners with essential knowledge to recognise, manage and control silica dust risks in the workplace.
Understanding Silica Dust Awareness
This Silica Dust Awareness module provides learners with essential knowledge to recognise, manage and control silica dust risks in the workplace. It explores what silica dust is, where it is commonly found, and how it is generated through everyday work activities. Learners will gain an understanding of the serious health risks associated with exposure, along with practical strategies to identify hazards and apply effective control measures using the hierarchy of control. The module is designed to support safer work practices across industries such as construction, mining and manufacturing, helping organisations reduce exposure and protect worker health.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to understand:
- What silica dust is and where it is commonly found
- How respirable crystalline silica is generated during work tasks
- The short-term and long-term health effects of silica exposure
- Legal duties of employers and workers in managing silica risks
- Workplace exposure standards and why they matter
- How to identify silica hazards in materials, tasks and work environments
- How to apply the hierarchy of control to manage silica risks
- The role of PPE, air monitoring, health monitoring and good housekeeping
- Relevant Australian Legislation:
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (and state/territory equivalents)
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
- Managing the Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace Code of Practice
- Safe Work Australia (exposure standards and guidance)
- Model Work Health and Safety Regulations (includes exposure standards and health monitoring requirements)
This module will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
