Course Description
This short course provides you with an in-depth knowledge of silica and the potential consequences of silica dust exposure.
The course starts by describing what silica is before moving on to cover the health risks it poses. It then sets out where and how silica exposure can occur and examines the silica content of materials a worker may encounter in their day-to-day work.
Following this, the course explores the diseases that the inhalation of silica dust can cause and looks at a real-life example of dust exposure, shining a light on the terrible impact respiratory disease can have on both a sufferer and their family.
The course then turns to look at the responsibilities both an employee and employer have with respect to silica dust exposure in the workplace and finishes by covering the control measures that can be put in place to manage the risks posed.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
• Explain what silica is, where it is found, and the health risks associated with respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust exposure
• Identify high-risk materials, industries, and workplace activities that can lead to silica dust exposure.
• Describe the main diseases caused by inhaling silica dust, their symptoms, and the real-life impact on individuals and families.
• Summarise the legal responsibilities of employers and employees under UK health and safety regulations (COSHH) regarding silica dust management.
• Apply effective control measures—including engineering controls, health surveillance, and proper use of PPE/RPE—to prevent or reduce exposure to silica dust in the workplace.
Target Audience
The course is primarily aimed at workers and employees in construction, manufacturing, and related industries where exposure to silica dust is a risk, but it is also very relevant for supervisors, managers, and health and safety professionals in those sectors.
Advantages
Online training is flexible, efficient and cost-effective, meaning the candidate can progress through the modules at their own pace and in their own time, so they can fit the training around their work and personal life.
| Module Name | Pass % Required |
| 1. What is Silica? | 70 |
| 2. What are the Associated Problems with Silica? | 70 |
| 3. What are the Duties of Employers and Employees? | 70 |
| 4. What Controls can we Implement? | 70 |
Recommended System Requirements
• Browser: Up-to-date web browser
• Video: Up-to-date video drivers
• Memory: 1Gb+ RAM
• Download Speed: Broadband (3Mb+)
Duration: 45 minutes (Note: This is based on the amount of video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions).