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Stronger regulation on processing crystalline silica substances came into effect on 1 September 2024.

Under Tasmania’s Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure a worker receives crystalline silica training if the person reasonably believes any worker is involved in processing silica that is high risk in the workplace.

Crystalline silica training must be nationally accredited training, or training approved by the Tasmanian WHS Regulator, and must cover:

• the health risks associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica, and
• the need for and proper use of any risk control measures required by WHS laws.

PCBUs must continue to fulfill their obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 by ensuring they meet their primary duty of care. This includes ensuring to protect workers from health and safety risks such as those associated with exposure to silica dust.

Applying to the WHS Regulator for approval of crystalline silica training

Your training package must be sent to wst.licensing@justice.tas.gov.au

Please note that applications can take approximately 21 days to be assessed.

Please refer to the following guidance material for instruction on the required information that must be provided to allow your application to be approved.

Guidance Material

Part A - Training Package [Optional]

A training package should be designed to effectively educate, engage, and equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to work safely with respirable crystalline silica.

The exact components of the training will vary depending on the provider however the following should be considered when preparing a package.

Please note that the following information will not be assessed as part of an approval application, however it will be beneficial to the Regulator to have an understanding of how the training will be delivered when assessment your application.

Training Objectives and Goals

• Are the Learning Objectives defined:   Clearly define what participants are expected to learn or achieve by the end of the training.
• Outcomes:   Specify measurable outcomes to gauge the success of the training program.

Training Materials

• Trainer Guide:  A detailed script or outline for trainers, including talking points, activities, and timing for each session.
• Participant Handbook:  A document for trainees that includes key concepts, exercises, and space for notes.
• Presentation Slides:  Visual aids to enhance understanding, such as PowerPoint slides or videos.
• Infographics/Handouts:  Summarized information in easily digestible formats for quick reference.
• Job Aids:  Checklists, templates, or tools that participants can use in real-world applications.

Curriculum Design

• Lesson Plans: Structured modules that outline the sequence of training topics.
• Interactive Activities: Quizzes, group discussions, case studies, role-playing, or hands-on exercises to engage participants.
• Learning Assessments: Pre-training and post-training tests, surveys, or practical evaluations to measure knowledge and skills gained.

Delivery Methods

• Instructor-Led Training (ILT): On-site or virtual sessions led by a trainer.
• Self-Paced Learning: Online courses, recorded webinars, or e-learning modules that participants can complete on their own time.
• Blended Learning: A mix of instructor-led and self-paced components.

Supporting Resources

• Reference Materials: Books, articles, or online resources for deeper learning.
• FAQs: A list of commonly asked questions to address participant concerns.
• Contact Information: A point of contact for follow-up questions or support.

Evaluation and Feedback

• Participant Feedback Forms: Surveys or questionnaires to collect feedback on the training’s effectiveness.
• Trainer Evaluation: A process for assessing the trainer’s performance and delivery.
• Post-Training Support: Follow-up sessions, refresher courses, or ongoing mentoring to reinforce learning.

Certification and Recognition

• Certificates of Completion: Recognizing participants for their achievement.
• Digital Badges: For sharing credentials online.
• Assessment Scores: If applicable, include test results or grades.

Accessibility Features

• Adaptable Content: Ensure materials are available in multiple formats (e.g., text, audio, video) to accommodate different learning styles.
• Language Options: Provide translations if the audience is multilingual.
• Assistive Technology: Make content accessible for individuals with disabilities (e.g., closed captions, screen-reader compatibility).

Part B – Respirable Crystalline Silica Content [Mandatory]

The content of you training material must include business name, ABN, contact details and also include, but not be limited to:

Defines and describes Respirable crystalline silica (RCS)

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a fine dust created when materials containing crystalline silica, such as quartz, are cut, ground, drilled, or otherwise disturbed.  Serious health effects occur when inhaled over a prolonged period.

Health Effects

Silicosis

Silicosis is a progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica particles. These particles damage lung tissue and cause scarring (fibrosis), leading to reduced lung function.

There are three types of silicosis:

• Chronic Silicosis: Develops after 10-30 years of low to moderate exposure. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and a persistent cough.
• Accelerated Silicosis: Occurs after 5-10 years of high exposure, with similar symptoms but faster progression.
• Acute Silicosis: Can develop within weeks to months of extremely high exposure, causing severe inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs.

Lung Cancer

Prolonged exposure to RCS increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified crystalline silica as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

RCS exposure can lead to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both of which are forms of COPD. Symptoms include persistent coughing, mucus production, and difficulty breathing.

Tuberculosis (TB)

People with silicosis have an increased risk of developing tuberculosis due to weakened lung defences.

Autoimmune Diseases

Exposure to crystalline silica has been linked to autoimmune diseases, such as:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus
• Erythematosus  Scleroderma

Kidney Disease

Chronic exposure to RCS can lead to kidney damage and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

For further information refer to the Safe Work Australia – Working with Crystalline Silica Substances Guide. Available at – Working with crystalline silica substances: Guidance for PCBUs

Part C – Risk Controls Content

The content of your training must be consistent with the Working with Crystalline Silica Substances Guide issued by Safe Work Australia. Refer to the Safe Work Australia – Working with Crystalline Silica Substances Guide.

Available at – Working with crystalline silica substances: Guidance for PCBUs

Approved Training Providers

• Bluestone
• Edway Training
• Hazell Bros
• Housing Industry Association Limited
• HSR Consulting
• IPM Consulting Services
• Liberty Bell Bay
• Master Builders Tasmania
• Master Electricians Australia
• MMG Rosebery
• Prensa Pty Ltd
• Rio Tinto Aluminium (Bell Bay) Limited
• SGS Australia Pty Ltd
• Tasmanian Advanced Minerals Pty Ltd
• Tasmania Mines Pty Ltd
• TCP Training
• The Safety Process
• Training Unlimited Pty Ltd
• Walters Contracting Pty Ltd
• Woolworths Group