Dust and Fumes
Prevent or capture construction dust and fumes and verify residual respiratory controls.
How to prepare for SSSTS
Connect each duty and hazard to the supervisor's workface sequence: check the task and RAMS, brief the team, establish controls, observe and intervene, then report and learn.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Silica, wood and general construction dust can cause serious disease; welding and engine fumes create additional hazards.
Exam cue: Ask whether the process can be changed or completed off site.
Concept 2
Avoidance, lower-emission methods, on-tool extraction, water suppression and ventilation control the source.
Exam cue: Check extraction or suppression at the point of generation.
Concept 3
RPE is residual protection and must be suitable, compatible, face-fit tested where required and used correctly.
Exam cue: Observe visible escape, maintenance and worker use during the task.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Using outdoor work as proof that exposure is controlled.
Guardrail: Do not use a signature, course certificate or verbal instruction as a substitute for a missing competent plan or physical control.
Relying on disposable masks without fit or task assessment.
Guardrail: Do not use a signature, course certificate or verbal instruction as a substitute for a missing competent plan or physical control.
Dry sweeping settled dust back into the air.
Guardrail: Do not use a signature, course certificate or verbal instruction as a substitute for a missing competent plan or physical control.
Memory anchors
Avoid, Capture, Protect
Control the source before relying on RPE.
On Tool, At Source
Capture contaminant where it is generated.
Fit, Filter, Face
RPE must suit the hazard and wearer.
No Dry Sweep
Use controlled dust-cleaning methods.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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