Respirable Crystalline Silica Awareness Training

Duration 2 hours

Last audited 12th September 2023

CPD Approved RoSPA Approved IIRSM Approved
Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) Awareness
For me
For teams
  • 100% online training

  • Start when you like

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

  • Instant assessment and result

  • 1 learner per course

  • Train teams of all sizes

  • Bulk discounts starting at 10% off 10 courses

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

£25 +VAT

include vat

Includes a 10% discount for 10+ courses

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust can have serious health impacts on workers and anyone in the vicinity. Therefore, it's essential that those working with construction and mineral processing dusts are aware of the hazards and risks and can effectively manage them.

This Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) Awareness training course provides you with the knowledge needed to identify the hazards and risks associated with RCS, and decide on control measures needed to reduce them. It explains how to carry out a risk assessment in your workplace and will explain how you can use the assess, control, review (ACR) model to manage the health hazards in your workplace.

While this course focuses on RCS, the techniques provided can be applied when managing other hazardous dusts, including wood dust.

100% online training

Access anywhere

Same day digital certificate

Printed certificate posted next working day

Full audio voiceover

Unlimited assessment attempts

Written in compliance with UK legislation and guidance

Developed by health and safety professionals

Accredited by CP, assured by RoSPA Qualifications and approved by IIRSM

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, you will:

  • Understand what silica dust is, where silica dust is found and what duties those involved with construction projects have to manage the risks associated with silica dust.
  • Understand the health risks associated with silica and the importance of effectively controlling silica dust.
  • Be aware of the different activities that can increase the risks associated with silica dust and be aware of the methods they should use to control exposure.
  • Know the different types of personal protective equipment that can be used to protect workers from silica dust exposure, as well as how to use them effectively.

Training you can trust

  • Course Content
  • Assessment
  • Suitable for

Module 1: Introduction to Respirable Crystalline Silica Awareness

What is silica?, what is respirable crystalline silica (RCS)?, how does RCS impact health?, what professions are most at risk of RCS exposure?, other construction dusts, RCS and the law, further regulations, individual duties, and health surveillance.

Module 2: Risk Assessment

What is a risk assessment?, who should carry out a risk assessment?, identify the hazards, decide who might be harmed and how, evaluate the risks, evaluate existing controls, the hierarchy of control, record your findings and implement them, and review and update.

Module 3: Managing Health Risks

Assess, Control, Review model, assess the risks, control the risks, elimination, substitution, engineering controls, maintenance and inspection, duties of manufacturers and suppliers, administrative controls, safe systems of work, training, communication and housekeeping, personal protective equipment, respiratory protective equipment, workplace exposure limits (WELs), controlling related risks, and noise exposure.

Module 4: The Assess, Control, Review Model

Cutting paving, blocks and kerbs, dry sweeping, recapping the ACR model, cutting roofing tiles, soft strip demolition, scabbling or grinding concrete, and abrasive pressure blasting.

The online assessment is taken on completion of the training material. You will be asked 20 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 90%. The answers are marked automatically so you will instantly know whether you have passed. If you don't pass don't worry! You can take the test as many times as you need with no extra charge.


Everyone involved in construction activities has the responsibility to manage the associated health risks, including the health risks associated with construction and mineral processing dust exposure. This Silica Awareness training is designed for anyone working in conditions where their work activities may expose them to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, including:

  • Employers
  • Managers and supervisors
  • Employees
  • Designers and principle designers
  • Contractors and principle contractors
  • Small builders

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