Silica awareness training Sydney
Practical silica awareness training designed to make Sydney workplaces safer.
Understanding silica hazards and work safety
Silica awareness training aims to help workers understand the health concerns associated with respirable crystalline silica (RCS), how silica dust exposure can occur, and the control measures designed to minimise exposure. In NSW, approved silica awareness training is mandatory for workers involved in high risk processing of crystalline silica substances, or those at risk of exposure to RCS because of that processing Munro Respiratory Services provides silica awareness training in Sydney for workers in construction, demolition, manufacturing, stone fabrication, and other industries where they may be exposed to crystalline silica dust. Training covers the criteria required by SafeWork NSW and can be delivered on-site or remotely.
Who may benefit from silica awareness training?
Workers may encounter silica-containing materials across many different industries and workplaces. Silica awareness training is designed to give workers the knowledge to recognise silica dust hazards, understand exposure risks, and follow appropriate workplace safety procedures.
Training may be relevant for workers involved in:
- Construction
- Demolition
- Stone masonry and fabrication
- Manufacturing
- Mining and quarrying
- Drilling and tunnelling
- Foundries
- Exploration
- Other work involving silica-containing materials
What does silica awareness training cover?
Our silica awareness training program covers the 11 criteria required by NSW WHS Regulation. Participants learn about silica safety, exposure risks, and the workplace control measures designed to manage respirable crystalline silica dust.
Our silica awareness training in NSW is designed to help you learn about:
Health risks
We cover the health impacts associated with respirable crystalline silica exposure, including silicosis and lung cancer, and how to recognise signs and symptoms of silicosis.
Silica hazards
Learn how to determine whether materials contain crystalline silica and how to interpret relevant safety data sheets.
Exposure and control measures
Understand how respirable crystalline silica dust is generated, workplace exposure standards, and the role of silica risk control plans and air monitoring.
Respiratory protective equipment
You’ll learn about requirements for respiratory protective equipment (RPE), including fit checking, fit testing, and facial hair requirements for tight-fitting RPE.
Our silica dust awareness training process in Sydney
1. Arrange your training
Contact our team to organise silica awareness training for your Sydney workplace. We can deliver training on-site or remotely, depending on your needs and location.
2. Complete the training
An experienced trainer will take participants through the required silica awareness course content, including silica hazards, health risks, control measures, and respiratory protective equipment. Training takes approximately one hour, with time set aside afterwards for questions.
3. Complete the knowledge quiz
Participants complete a knowledge quiz following the training. We provide training records after successful completion, giving your business a record of the training each worker completed.
Why Munro Respiratory Services?
Industry experience
Our team has experience across health, mining, and many other industries, providing an understanding of the real-world environments where silica exposure and other airborne hazards can occur.
Flexible delivery
Choose on-site silica awareness training at your Sydney workplace or as an online training via Teams, to make training easier to coordinate across your team.
Compliance made simpler
Our training covers all 11 silica awareness criteria required under NSW WHS Regulation, and we provide training records and a statement of attainment after successful completion.
Frequently asked questions about silica dust awareness
What is silica awareness training?
Silica awareness training teaches workers about respirable crystalline silica, the associated health risks, and how exposure can occur in the workplace. It also covers areas such as identifying silica hazards, control measures, respiratory protective equipment, and relevant WHS requirements.
Is silica awareness training mandatory in Sydney?
Yes, it is mandatory in Sydney and the rest of NSW. Under NSW WHS Regulation, approved silica awareness training is mandatory for workers involved in high risk processing of crystalline silica substances, or those at risk of exposure to RCS because of that processing, these requirements have applied since 1 September 2024.
What materials can contain crystalline silica?
Crystalline silica can be found in materials workers commonly encounter in construction and other industries, including concrete, bricks, sand, and some stone products. Training aims to help workers understand how to determine whether materials contain crystalline silica and identify potential exposure risks.
How long does the training take?
Our silica awareness training takes approximately one hour. This includes the training itself, a knowledge quiz, and time for participants to ask questions.
Can my workers complete the training remotely?
Yes. We offer both on-site and online silica awareness training at Munro Respiratory Services, giving Sydney businesses flexibility when organising workplace training for their workers.
How often do workers need silica awareness training?
Silica awareness training is a one-off requirement, not an annual one. Retain training records for the duration of the worker’s employment in high-risk silica dust exposure roles and for five years after they leave the business.
Is silica awareness training the same as respirator fit testing?
No. Silica awareness training educates workers about silica hazards, exposure, and safety requirements, while fit testing assesses whether a specific tight-fitting respirator fits an individual worker properly. If you’re interested in both services, we can provide both on the same day.
Learn about crystalline silica exposure prevention with dedicated training across Sydney
Crystalline silica is dangerous, but knowledge is key. With practical skills and safety controls in place, silica awareness training today may help your workers tomorrow. Contact us to learn more.