Understanding Silica Exposure in the Flooring Trades: Risks and Solutions
Silica exposure is a significant concern in the flooring industry, as workers frequently handle materials that contain this naturally occurring mineral. Silica, found in substances like sand, stone, and concrete, is integral to many flooring products. However, when disturbed, it can release fine dust particles that pose serious health risks to workers. This article explores the dangers of silica exposure in the flooring trades and highlights practical solutions to mitigate these risks and protect workers’ health.
Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a mineral present in materials such as granite, quartz, and concrete. During activities like cutting, grinding, drilling, or sanding, fine dust particles containing silica can be released into the air. Inhalation of this respirable crystalline silica is hazardous, as it can cause long-term health problems. Among these risks are lung diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even kidney disease.
Workers in the flooring trade are particularly at risk of silica exposure during certain tasks. Cutting or grinding tiles, stone, or concrete generates considerable dust, as does sanding and finishing hardwood floors. Demolition work, such as removing old flooring materials, can also disturb silica-containing products, leading to airborne dust.
To safeguard workers from silica exposure, adopting several preventive measures is essential. Wet methods, such as using water to suppress dust during cutting or grinding, can significantly reduce airborne silica. Ensuring proper ventilation in work areas, using dust control tools like saws with vacuum attachments, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators are critical. Additionally, training workers on silica risks and conducting regular health monitoring are vital steps in maintaining workplace safety. By prioritizing these strategies, the flooring industry can minimize silica-related health risks and foster a safer working environment.
Systec provides free services through the OHS essentials program for small to medium sized businesses that employ up to 60 people.
Get in touch with us today to improve your workplace safety.
Having a health and safety representative (HSR) offers important benefits for businesses in Victoria.
Many enquiries we have around how HSR’s contribute in the workplace.
In Victoria, Health and safety representatives have the power under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 to raise concerns and request improvements within the workplace.
After undertaking a WorkSafe Approved 5 day Health and Safety Representative Course, HSR’s leave with the skills to spot hazards undertake risk assessments, consult with management and employees to ensure that issues are dealt with in a timely and constructive manner.
HSRs act as a bridge between employees and management, making it easier for workers to share safety concerns. This promotes a culture where safety is important. When employees feel their safety is a priority, they are more positive and productive. Fewer accidents also mean fewer people miss work, helping the business run smoothly without interruptions.
When there are fewer injuries, businesses pay less for workers’ compensation and insurance. Businesses with good safety records are also less likely to face legal issues related to safety violations. By acting proactively and identifying risks early, HSRs help reduce the financial impact of workplace accidents, making it a smart investment for businesses.
In the long term, having an HSR helps businesses in Victoria build a strong focus on safety culture, with ongoing improvements in health and safety practices. HSRs provide feedback on policies to keep safety measures up to date. They also play an important role in emergency planning, ensuring that workers know what to do if something goes wrong. Overall, HSRs help create safer, more efficient workplaces that comply with Victoria’s strict safety regulations.
Get in touch with us for more information about health and safety representative training.
CONTACT US
+613 9484 0086
ADMIN@SYSTEC-PL.COM.AU
For over a decade, Systec has proudly served Werribee Racing Club by providing asbestos survey and testing services for their facility upgrade projects. Werribee Racing Club has been upgrading its facilities to enhance user and punter experience including removal of redundant buildings and replacing them with new and upgraded facilities.
Systec has played a crucial role in this process by conducting thorough hazardous substances surveys and testing, ensuring every phase of their project, to ensure that Management and workers both can identify which materials could pose health risks.
Our process includes detailed initial surveys, accurate sampling and testing, and comprehensive risk management. We provide clear reports and recommendations for safe removal or management of asbestos, tailored to each project’s needs, especially during the critical demolition stages.
As the club continues to improve its facilities, we are proud to support them in their endeavors building a safer, better future for Werribee Racing Club and its community. F
or more information on our asbestos survey and testing services, and to see how we can help with your facility upgrade projects, visit our website or contact us today.
WorkSafe Introduces New License for telehandlers.
Having worked on multiple projects where telehandlers are utilised for different tasks, i find it integral that competency based training is important, but mostly these machines are dangerous and do require a set of skills to be successfully operated.
Non-slewing telehandlers that are integral in agriculture, construction, and warehousing, demand specialized skills to operate safely. The high-risk nature of these machines has highlighted the need for tailored training to ensure the safety of operators and those in proximity are aware.
Current mobile crane license training addresses key aspects of non-slewing telehandler operation, particularly in handling suspended loads with attachments like hooks and jibs.
A new Worksafe Victoria High Risk Work License (HRWL) initiative focuses on non-slewing telehandlers with a capacity over 3 tonnes and various attachments. This ensures targeted training and certification for operators handling these powerful machines.
The specialised license covers comprehensive training on challenges specific to non-slewing telehandlers, enhancing safety standards and reducing the risk of accidents in operations exceeding 3 tonnes.
For machines with a capacity of 3 tonnes or less, training is still essential, emphasizing competency without the need for a specialized HRWL license.
The introduction of a targeted license for non-slewing telehandlers demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that employers have a duty to check that control is enforced at their workplace.
WorkSafe Introduces the New License scheme for telehandlers from the 1st July 2024,
People have some options when looking at getting or maintaining the license:
- Complete specific training for non-slewing telehandlers at an authorised Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as TAFE.
- Pass the assessment.
- Apply for the non-slewing telehandler specific licence.
- Renew the licence every 5 years.
To understand a bit more about your safety compliance status for your business, get in touch today with our experienced safety consultants for a free consultation through the WorkSafe Victoria OHS Essentials Program.
Whether you are a student, professional, or an organization looking to enhance your lifting operations skills, this unit of competence will help you understand the key concepts, requirements, and best practices associated to Conduct Lifting Operations.
This course is suitable for vocational students pursuing training in lifting operations, professionals working in industries such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, and mining, where lifting operations are involved.
Entry Requirements
There are no prerequisite skills or education required to undertake the unit, however, it is advisable participants have a basic level of literacy, numeracy and communication skills.
Structure
This course consists of one (1) unit of competency: RIIHAN203E
- The principals of safe lifting operations
- Identifying different types of lifting equipment and their applications
- the process of rigging and its role in lifting operations
- Understanding safety procedures and protocols
- Load calculation
- Hand, audible and visual communication styles
- Applicable legislation
- Lifting equipment selection and inspection
- Load calculations and weight estimation
- Proper use of slings, shackles, and other rigging accessories
- Incident reporting and emergency procedures.
- Safe work practices and hazard identification.
Delivery
For participants with no industry experience it is recommended that pre reading be undertaken prior to the commencement of the course.
Actual delivery time is broken into approximately 5 hours of face to face class time including a written assessment and participant demonstration of knowledge and skills specific to conducting lifting operations, with additional hours allocated to personal study time prior to the class.
Assessment
The competency of attendees is confirmed with a written assessment and a practical assessment, both of which must be successfully completed.
Outcomes
A Statement of Attainment (and wallet card) can only be issued after the student has successfully completed the written assessment and the trainer has observed them successfully demonstrating conducting lifting operations.
Contact us today for booking information
+613 9484 0086
admin@systec-pl.com.au
