New stronger regulations on processing crystalline silica substances came into effect on 1 September 2024. Ensure your workers meet their legal training requirements with our regulator-approved course.
New stronger regulations on processing crystalline silica substances (CSS) came into effect on 1 September 2024, mandating that persons conducting business or undertaking (PCBUs) provide crystalline silica training to their workers!
Our Silica Awareness course has been written to meet the Queensland (WorkSafe QLD) and NSW (SafeWork NSW) criteria required to be deemed "Regulator Approved" training, so you can be sure you're meeting your legal responsibility to train your workers about silica awareness.
This online course is designed to be completed in under 60 minutes and 1.5hrs is allowed as a maximum. You can complete it at any time that's convenient to you. If you can't complete the course all at once, no problem. Come back at another time – you won't lose your spot!
Complete the training online at your own pace, from anywhere with an internet connection.
6 months access from the day of enrolment
Note: This course is delivered in English only. Nothing prevents a business from providing their own interpreter to assist participants to complete the course however 121 Safety will not accept any liability for people who do not understand English completing the course.
A common misconception among businesses, employers, and workers is that only those directly handling silica-containing materials need training. However, the Regulations clearly stated that anyone at risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) must complete training.
Working in areas where silica dust is present or being generated.
Overseeing work that generates silica dust.
Working near silica processing activities.
Plumbers or any trade professionals working near silica processing activities.
It is not sufficient to have just one trained individual on-site, anyone exposed to CSS must complete an approved Silica Awareness Course.
121 Safety is not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and the Silica Awareness Course is not a Nationally Recognised Training Course. Participants will receive a Statement of Completion.
Regardless of the state you operate in, employers are legally required to maintain records of silica training.
Workers that maintain access to the 121 Safety portal can access their Certificate at any time. Otherwise you can contact us and we can provide a copy – fees may apply.
There are online courses that have been around for years and might even state things like their course is up to date and that it will meet your obligations under the updated regulations, but that does not mean that they will meet the requirements since 1 September 2024.
Always verify with the Training Provider how they can verify their course is a Qld and or NSW Regulator Approved Training Course.
NOTE: If your workers completed a Silica Awareness course prior to 1 September 2024, then they will need to complete a new course.
121 Safety may consider face to face training sessions and P2 Half Face Qualitative Respirator Fit Testing can also be included as part of a Face to Face training package.
While the regulator only states a requirement to conduct this training as a once off, it is often best to conduct training regularly to remind workers of their obligations.
We recommend re-training occur at least every two years.
Clients who wish to set up re-training, will be provided discounted pricing.
Warning: Fair Work Australia are working on a National Code of Practice for Silica which even when it is released may or may not be adopted in other jurisdictions. It may take 12 months or even years to eventuate but this does not release persons conducting business or undertaking (PCBUs) from providing crystalline silica training to their workers now!
Please note: If Queensland or NSW do adopt the new Code of Practice OR even part of it, this may trigger a requirement to complete an updated Silica Awareness Course.
If that requirement does eventuate then we will keep you informed and provide guidance on any new requirements.
To verify that our course meets the requirements, the workers Certificate will clearly state the following Training Course Criteria:
Identify the health risks associated with exposure to RCS, including signs and symptoms of silicosis.
How to determine if a material contains crystalline silica, including:
How to interpret safety data sheets (SDS) and manufacturer's information, including the meaning of 'processing' in relation to CSS as defined by section 529A of the WHS Regulation.
How RCS is generated during processing, how workers can be exposed and the relevant workplace exposure standards for the forms of RCS.
What is 'controlled' processing of CSS under section 529B of the WHS Regulation.
The requirements for the controls listed in subsection 529B(1)(b) of the WHS Regulation, how they work and how to use them.
The types of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) specified by 'AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment', deemed as being suitable to protect against exposure to RCS.
How to determine if RPE is compliant with the required standard 'AS/NZS 1716:2012 Respiratory protective devices'.
Fit-checking, fit-testing and facial-hair requirements for tight-fitting RPE in compliance with 'AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment'.
General housekeeping and cleaning methods to eliminate or minimise risk of exposure to RCS for CSS processes.
WHS Regulation requirements for: