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.
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+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.
PUAFER008 – Confine small emergencies in a facility
Fire Extinguisher Training
Entry Requirements
The confine small emergencies in a facility course includes how you are to respond with first attack firefighting skills, prepare for emergency situations, identify and assess an emergency, safely confine emergencies, use initial response equipment and report on the facility’s emergency response effectiveness.
Fire Extinguisher training is suitable for experienced persons who work in all occupations including:
- Events / public
- High hazard facilities
- Construction
- Corporate / Office environments
- Transport and logistics
- Laboratories
- Educational facilities
- Automotive
It is advisable that course participants have at least a basic level of literacy, numeracy and communication skills as well as a reasonable level of fitness.
The course involves
Preparing for emergency situations
- Possible workplace emergency situations and the appropriate response to each possible scenario.
- identifying emergency resources are identified and in their locations as specified by emergency procedures
- Equipment should be serviced as required by the of the emergency resources are identified and reported.
Identify and assess the emergency
- Emergency situation or potential emergency situations that could arise
- Possible control measures for controlling emergency situations according to workplace emergency procedures.
- appropriate Initial response actions
- unsafe or inappropriate actions
Safely confine emergencies where possible
- Confining emergencies to the immediate area according to workplace emergency procedures.
- Learning how to use emergency resources in accordance with workplace procedures, legislative requirements and user limitations
- Emergency resources used to confine emergency situation are used to promote and enhance safe work conditions.
- Use initial response equipment
- Initial response equipment is checked to ensure its serviceability prior to use.
- Select appropriate equipment for emergency response
- Initial response equipment is used according to accepted safe practices and training.
- Use of equipment is coordinated with other emergency actions.
Report workplace emergency response
- Emergency situation response is documented and reported in accordance with workplace procedures.
- Use of initial response equipment is documented and reported according to workplace procedures.
- Initial response equipment is marked or positioned after use and reported to relevant personnel or authority to indicate if it requires servicing or replacing.
Suitable for 3 -15 persons
Structure
Delivery
1 Day Course
This course involves a 3 hour class with our highly experienced training team. It will include presentations, group work and practical activities
Online
1 house online theory course combined with a 1.5 hour practical activity.
Learning Outcomes
PUAFER008 – Confine small emergencies in a facility
Assessment
Assessment is against the National Standard, which applies in all states and territories. Our assessors are fully licensed and accredited. We will issue a Statement of Attainment on the successful completion of this unit of competency.
Location
- Your workplace
- Our training Facility
Group discounts are available
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Systec-pl
+613 9484 0086
admin@systec-pl.com.au
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
