10830NAT Course in crystalline silica exposure prevention
Understand the risks of working with crystalline silica and learn mitigation techniques in this half-day training course.
Starting 1 October 2023, for workers in the specified occipations and others reasonably expected to be exposed to silica dust, it is going to be mandatory to have completed 10830NAT Course in crystalline silica exposure prevention when undertaking work in Canberra and the ACT. You can find out more on the WorkSafe ACT website.
Crystalline silica, especially as a respirable dust, is increasingly becoming a significant workplace safety issue. Breathing in crystalline silica dust can lead to a range of respiratory illnesses and cancers including silicosis, emphysema and lung cancer.
10830NAT Course in crystalline silica exposure prevention is a nationally accredited course that gives participants the knowledge needed to understand the risks associated with exposure to dusts and particulate from crystalline silica and skills to mitigate those risks in the workplace.
What is silica?
Silica is a type of silicon dioxide that is naturally occurring. It is a major component of most rocks, soils and sand.
The most common form of silica found is quartz. Many would also recognise silica as a component of moisture absorption packets found commonly found in food products.
Silica is a major component of engineered stone, with some types containing up to 97 per cent silica in their construction.
By comparison, limestone and marble contain approximately two per cent silica, with slate and granite typically contain between 20-45 per cent.
What makes crystalline silica dust hazardous?
When products containing crystalline silica are cut, ground, drilled or polished they can release extremely fine dust particles into the air. These particles can be so fine they may not be visible to the naked eye.
When inhaled, they can travel deep into the lungs. Over time, and with repeated exposure, they can build up and cause irreversible damage to the cells in the lungs.
This damage can result in serious, life-threatening illness.
Products that contain crystalline silica include many types of engineered stone commonly used in residential benchtops, as well as many natural stone products and cements.
About this course
This course is aimed at workers who may potentially be exposed to crystalline silica dust and particulates in the course of their work. It is designed to give participants the knowledge and skills required to identify risks and implement mitigation techniques.
Duration: 1/2 day (4 hours)
Student/trainer ratio: 20:1
Course objectives and content
Identification of crystalline silica containing products.
Relevant legislation, guidelines and standards.
Hazards and risks to health due to exposure to crystalline silica dusts and particulate.
Exposure standards.
Safety data sheets.
Hierarchy of control.
Systems for prevention of exposure.
Risk assessments and hazard prevention.
Qualifications for successful participants
Statement of attainment in:
10830NAT Course in crystalline silica exposure prevention
10830NAT Course in crystalline silica exposure prevention FAQs
From 1 October 2023, workers across a wide range of trades and occupations will be required to have completed this unit of competency prior to undertaking work in Canberra and the ACT.
The full list of occupations can be found on the WorkSafe ACT website.
Other jurisdictions may have workplace safety laws in place that require those working with engineered stone and other stone products to understand the risks associated with dust and particulates that come from these products.
10830NAT Course in crystalline silica exposure prevention is a nationally recognised training course. This means no matter where you are in Australia, the statement of attainment achieved from successfully completing this training course will be recognised.
Although other silica awareness courses are available, many of which are delivered online, they may not be nationally recognised. Completing course like this can result in issues later as many employers, PCBUs and contractors require completion of nationally recognised units of competency.
For those working in Canberra and the ACT, completion of this specific unit of competency is required by law (effective 1 October 2023).
Yes!
Workplace safety laws in the ACT require that workers complete the nationally accredited asbestos awareness training course prior to conducting any work in the territory.
In many cases, it is also required that workers complete nationally accredited working with asbestos containing materials training as well.
Details on the requirements for these courses can be found on the SafeWork ACT website.
Additional information about training at HSE
All necessary equipment and learning materials will be provided. Light refreshments will be provided for training completed at our training facilities. Please wear comfortable clothing and enclosed footwear.
A literacy and numeracy quiz will be conducted prior to the start of the course. This assists us in providing adequate course material to all our students. It is recommended that participants have:
- Numeracy skills to
- calculate basic sums using addition, substraction, multiplication and division.
- locate and recognise numbers commonly used in safety signage.
- Reading skills so
- identify and interpret information from workplace procedures, documentation and regulations.
- follow safety instructions that are written in English.
- Writing skills to
- produce or complete written documents and forms commonly required in the workplace.
- maintain records of tests and results.
- form short sentences and paragraphs in English.
- Communication skills to
- use a range of techniques and systems to communicate with others.
- ask clarifying questions.
- inform others of hazards and report incidents.
- communicate required actions.
- verbally communicate with others in English.
- Problem solving skills to
- identify hazards and risks.
- select and implement risk control measures.
- Computer skills to
- follow basic instructions to access specific websites.
- answer multiple choice questions.
- save documents.
Some courses will have practical components that require participants to physically push, pull, carry or climb. Participants with physical limitations are urged to speak to their trainer prior to completing practical activities to determine if reasonable adjustments can be accommodated. Participants who cannot perform practical components may be issued a certificate of attendance in lieu of the statement of attainment.
Participants must also be eligible to receive nationally recognised training within Australia. They must also provide us with a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) upon enrolment. If you do not have a USI, one can be created here: CLICK HERE.
Some courses will have prerequisite training that will need to be completed prior to undertaking the selected course. A statement of attainment for the prerequisite course must be presented prior to the start of training. Please refer to the FAQ section, above, for details of any prerequisites your course may have.
Height Safety Engineers does not offer recognition of prior learning and/or credit transfer due to the high-risk nature of our training courses. It is also anticipated that participants will be new entrants or refreshing knowledge and skills in the area of study.
This will depend on the type of visa that you have.
For example restrictions apply to international visitors who hold a Student Visa. Any course undertaken by a Student Visa holder must be conducted by a provider who is registered on CRICOS. As Elbon Consulting Services Pty Ltd is not CRICOS approved we are unable to accept enrolments into any of our courses from any international visitor that holds a Student Visa.
International visitors who hold a Working Holiday Visa may be eligible to enrol into our courses once they arrive in Australia. This is important as some occupations in Australia will have legislative and/or licencing requirements relating to qualifications. International visitors will still be required to provide a valid USI (Unique Student Identifier) prior to enrolling into any Nationally Recognised Training. When registering for your USI number if you select Non-Australian Passport (with Australian Visa) as your form of ID, you will need to enter your Non-Australian passport number when creating your USI. The following details on the passport must match in order to verify in the USI registry system:
- Family Name
- Given Name(s)
- Date of Birth
- Passport Number
- Country of Passport
Students from New Zealand will not be able to create a USI using their New Zealand passport until your passport has been registered with the Australian Department of Immigration. This will only happen when the student crosses the border into Australia. Once the passport is registered with the Department of Immigration it can be verified and the student will be able to create a USI using their New Zealand passport.
If you are an International Visitor, you will need to provide a copy of your Visa and/or Passport by emailing training@heightsafety.net. Your Visa details will be verified for eligibility to participate in accredited training within Australia. If you are ineligible, a full refund of fees paid will be provided.
We may be able to provide you with learning support. If you think you may need assistance with reading and/or writing, please contact our office to discuss how we may be able to assist.
Training can be conducted in one of our dedicated state-of-the-art training facilities or be conducted on your site with the use of our mobile training simulators
