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Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can cause a
range of health issues, including breathing problems. Whilst
silicosis is the disease most commonly associated with exposure to
RCS, other conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD) may also develop. RCS exposure occurs across a wide
range of industries, including brickmaking, stone masonry,
quarrying, foundries and construction.
HSE estimates that around 500 deaths occur every year as a result
of workplace exposures to RCS in Great Britain.
Because of these health risks, workers exposed to RCS may need
to undergo periodic health surveillance, to confirm that they are
healthy and ensure that they remain healthy. This surveillance is
sometimes required by law.
Effective health surveillance carried to identify silicosis and
COPD may involve asking the right questions about worker's health,
performing accurate breathing tests and, occasionally, taking
In 2015, HSE updated its guidance and advice about health
surveillance for workers exposed to RCS.
This one-day course will deal with background issues, current
practice and how things are changing in relation to health
surveillance, particularly in light of the new HSE guidance. It
will also provide information about controlling RCS exposures in
The course will be delivered by medical and scientific experts
who have direct experience of workers with RCS-related health
problems and workplaces where exposure carries a significant health
The course will cover
- Background to silica, silicosis and other related breathing
- Periodic health surveillance for RCS exposed workers; what's
- Use of questionnaires
- Use of lung function testing
- Use of chest X-Rays; and what to do if the chest X-Ray is found
to be abnormal
- Reducing RCS exposure in the workplace
- The role of exposure monitoring in protecting worker
- Selection, use and maintenance of exposure controls
On completion of this course you will have an updated
understanding of how RCS can harm the lungs; how to monitor the
health of workers cost effectively; how to set up and run a health
surveillance programme and how to include health issues in your
risk assessments. You will also understand how to reduce exposure
to RCS in your workplace, and the role that occupational hygienists
play in protecting worker health.
Who should attend?
'Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) - Health Surveillance and
Exposure Control' is aimed at health care professionals (normally
doctors and / or nurses) who may be responsible for groups of
workers exposed to RCS. Occupational health technicians and health
and safety representatives may also find this course relevant to
The course will be run at the HSE Science and Research Centre in
the spa town of Buxton. Buxton is in the heart of the Peak District
and has good links to mainline train stations and Manchester
Details of hotels in the Buxton area can be found at www.visitpeakdistrict.com
The cost of the course is £525 per person (includes
course notes, lunch and refreshments).
Please note that all courses must be paid for via credit
card at the time of booking.
For further dates and additional information email: email@example.com or
contact the Training and Events Team at HSE directly on +44 (0)203
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