Is This Course for Me?

This nationally accredited course is purpose-built for persons who carry out, or intend to carry out, respirable dust monitoring in Queensland coal mines, mineral mines and quarries.

• Dust monitoring officers: Technical personnel responsible for respirable dust sampling at coal mines where holding a CMSHAC-recognised competency is a legal requirement under s.76(3)(a) of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and at mineral mines and quarries where this competency aligns with QGL02 best practice.
• WHS professionals and safety advisors: Required to measure, collect, interpret, evaluate and report on workplace respirable dust exposures in regulated mining environments.
• Mining industry personnel: Workers in coal, metalliferous and quarrying sectors where respirable dust monitoring is a regulatory requirement under Queensland mining safety legislation.
• Construction, manufacturing and processing: Personnel where respirable dust monitoring is required and who need an accredited qualification recognised under Australian training frameworks.
• Experienced practitioners seeking accreditation: Those who already conduct dust monitoring and want a Statement of Attainment as formal evidence of their competency.
• New entrants to dust monitoring roles: Personnel recently appointed to dust monitoring duties at mine sites who require structured, practical training to meet site and regulatory requirements.

Accreditation and Recognition

This course delivers nationally recognised training and issues a Statement of Attainment for BSBWHS419 – Contribute to implementing WHS monitoring processes (AQF). A Statement of Completion is also issued for additional non-accredited topics covered during training.

For coal mines: carrying out respirable dust sampling in accordance with AS 2985 is a prescribed task under section 76(3)(a) of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999. Only a person with a competency recognised by CMSHAC may conduct this sampling. BSBWHS419 is a CMSHAC-recognised competency for this purpose.

For mineral mines and quarries: there is no equivalent legislated competency prescription. However, this course aligns with QGL02 – Guideline for Management of Respirable Dust in Queensland Mineral Mines and Quarries (issued under the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999, developed with MSHAC input), which represents accepted best practice for regulatory compliance.

Completion of this unit does not in itself grant a statutory licence or practising certificate. Employers remain responsible for competency validation and authorisations under their Safety and Health Management System (SHMS).

Content aligns with the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld), Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld) and associated Regulations, but is not legal advice.

• BSBWHS419 – Contribute to implementing WHS monitoring processes (nationally recognised unit of competency)
• On successful completion you receive a Statement of Attainment (AQF) issued by Simtars (Registration Code 45647).
• A Statement of Completion is also issued for the additional non-accredited topics covered during training (AS 2985 sampling, real-time monitors, anemometer use, dust observation methods).

This course has been developed with direct input from industry, including mine operators, WHS professionals and Queensland regulatory bodies, to ensure the skills and knowledge gained are practical, relevant and immediately applicable on site. Delivered by Simtars, it satisfies the CMSHAC-recognised competency requirement for respirable dust sampling at coal mines, and aligns with QGL02 best practice for mineral mines and quarries.

Completing this course can help you to:

• Conduct legally compliant and technically accurate respirable dust sampling across coal, mineral and quarrying operations.
• Satisfy the CMSHAC-recognised competency requirement for respirable dust sampling at coal mines (legally required under s.76(3)(a) of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999), and demonstrate QGL02 alignment for mineral mines and quarries.
• Operate real-time monitors and anemometers confidently in underground and surface mine environments.
• Collect, record and interpret dust exposure data to AS 2985 standards, enabling informed decisions on controls.
• Prepare and submit compliant dust monitoring reports to site management and regulators.
• Reduce the risk of occupational respiratory disease by applying consistent, standardised monitoring practices across your site and crews.
• Maintain audit-ready evidence of dust monitoring competency satisfying coal mine legislative requirements (CMSHAC-recognised competency) and demonstrating QGL02 alignment for mineral mines and quarries.

Blended delivery combining online pre-reading and self-paced e-learning modules with a one-day face-to-face practical workshop at Simtars, Redbank, Queensland.

Face-to-face workshop: Simtars Training Centre, 2 Robert Smith Drive, Redbank, Queensland 4301.

Online pre-reading and modules can be completed from anywhere with internet access. Support and administration are coordinated from Simtars, Redbank.

Blended Delivery Model:

• Online Learning & Pre-Workshop Assessments: Learners complete structured online learning and Assessment 1 (four online assessments), Assessment 2 (short-answer knowledge assessment). These components must be completed prior to attending the workshop. Topics include Mine Lung Disease, relevant legislation and guidelines, respirable dust and RCS monitoring principles, sampling equipment, calibration requirements, environmental conditions, communication and record-keeping obligations.
• Face-to-Face Workshop (1 Day at Simtars, Redbank): Includes practical training and Assessment 5 (supervised practical workshop assessment). Learners demonstrate assembly and disassembly of sampling heads, sampling train set-up and calibration, flow rate determination, worker consultation, completion of field monitoring documentation and response to change-of-condition scenarios. Approximately 4 hours of the workshop are dedicated to supervised assessment activities.
• Post-Workshop Assessment Activities: Assessment 3 (online consultation and risk identification case study) and Assessment 4 (Written Report) are completed and submitted after the workshop. Learners prepare a compliant respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) monitoring report using workshop data, including regulatory calculations (mg/m³), shift-adjusted exposure limits where applicable and interpretation against relevant exposure standards and action levels. Learners may also be required to respond to assessor feedback or undertake reassessment where applicable in accordance with the Simtars Assessment Policy.

Important: All online learning and pre-workshop assessments must be completed before attending the face-to-face workshop. If these are not completed prior to your scheduled date, you may be transferred to the next available intake.

Recommendation: Allow sufficient time between enrolment and the workshop date to complete all required online learning and assessments, and additional time post-workshop to finalise and submit the written report assessment.

Workshops are held at Simtars, Redbank, Queensland at regular intervals throughout the year. For a full list of available dates and workshops, please click the button ‘View Dates and Enrol Now’ below.

Select a class date on the enrolment page and click 'Enrol' to register.

For group or organisational enrolments contact:
training@simtars.qld.gov.au

Complete all pre-course readings, videos and formative questions (~30 hours) provided via the LMS on enrolment, prior to attending the workshop. Required readings include Recognised Standard 14 (Monitoring Respirable Dust in Coal Mines), Recognised Standard 15 (Underground Respirable Dust Control), and QGL02 (Respirable Dust in Mineral Mines and Quarries).

Complete online assessments 1 and 2 prior to attending the face-to-face workshop.

Attend the one-day face-to-face workshop at Simtars, Redbank, and submit all written and practical assessments.

Note: If online assessments are not completed before the scheduled workshop, participants will be transferred to the next available intake.

To enrol you must have access to a computer and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in at least 4 of the following 7 areas:

• Preparing and presenting logically structured reports using format and language appropriate to the audience
• Working in a regulated environment where it is necessary to interpret and apply legal and technical texts
• Working with statistical data (collecting, representing and summarising)
• Collaborating with others to achieve individual and team outcomes
• Systematically following sequenced steps of procedures
• Managing and maintaining files to ensure the integrity of data collected and reported
• An understanding of hazard identification and control, including the hierarchy of controls

This will be assessed via the Application for Enrolment (Part B).

To study in this course you will be required to have core skills at Level 4 on the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), or the ability to reach Level 4 with support.

Simtars includes LLND questions in Part B of the Enrolment form. Prior to acceptance of enrolment, answers are reviewed to ensure requirements are met. If additional support is required, this will be arranged prior to or during the course.

We welcome all learners, including people with disability, chronic health conditions, neurodivergent learners, carers and those with shift work constraints.

If you need reasonable adjustments (e.g. alternative assessment formats, extended time, accessible materials), please contact Student Support:

• Phone: (07) 3810 6328
• Email: training@simtars.qld.gov.au

We will respond within 3 business days and work with you to agree on a support plan.

All assessments are designed in accordance with the Principles of Assessment (fairness, flexibility, validity, reliability) and Rules of Evidence (validity, sufficiency, authenticity, currency) as required under the Standards for RTOs 2025. All 2026 assessments are assessed by Craig Tayler.

Assessment 1 – Four Online Assessments

Online assessments structured into four sections, each corresponding to key industry topics to help support the upcoming workshop session. Learners may complete sections progressively after each online assessment rather than all at once. Assessments relate to Mine Lung Disease, legislation and guidelines, sampling equipment and collection samples.

Assessment 2 – Online Assessment: Short Answer Questions

Assessment 2 is an online short-answer knowledge assessment completed prior to the workshop day. The assessment consists of fourteen (14) written questions designed to evaluate learners’ underpinning knowledge across all modules, including respirable dust monitoring principles, relevant WHS legislation and standards, sampling techniques, environmental conditions, calibration requirements, communication strategies and record-keeping obligations. Learners complete the assessment electronically, with access to a calculator, learner guide and notes permitted and responses are submitted to a qualified assessor for marking.

Assessment 3 – Consultation and Risk Identification (Online Case Study)

This assessment is an online case study in which learners select one workplace scenario and complete a structured consultation record and risk assessment. Learners are required to interpret site information, identify potential hazards and health risks, determine appropriate monitoring methods and relevant legislation, outline sampling logistics (including equipment selection and workers or areas to be monitored), and propose suitable risk control measures. The assessment evaluates the learner’s ability to apply respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica monitoring principles in realistic workplace contexts and demonstrate sound professional judgement in consultation, planning and risk identification.

Assessment 4 – Written Report: Reporting Final Results of Monitoring Workshop Day (Post Workshop Online Assessment)

Learners prepare a compliant respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) monitoring report using the data provided during the workshop. The report includes completed field monitoring documentation, relevant worker and sampling details, regulatory calculations (mg/m³), shift-adjusted exposure limits where applicable, and interpretation of results against relevant exposure standards and action levels. An example report is provided as a reference. Assessment 4 is completed post-workshop and submitted for marking.

Assessment 5 – Practical: Workshop Activities (Face-to-Face Workshop Assessment)

Learners complete a supervised practical assessment during the workshop to demonstrate the real-world application of respirable dust monitoring skills. The assessment is conducted face-to-face and includes assembling and disassembling sampling heads, connecting and calibrating the sampling train, determining correct flow rates, and setting up personal sampling equipment. Learners are also required to consult with a worker, explain the sampling process, complete personal work history documentation, record pre- and post-sampling data on a field monitoring worksheet and respond to change-of-condition scenarios. Performance is assessed through direct observation and questioning to confirm competency in equipment handling, communication, documentation and procedural compliance.

Assessment Timing and Class Management

• Total assessment time: Approximately 4 hours for workshop-based assessments (including practical observation, questioning and administration time).
• Post-workshop assessment: Assessment 4 (Written Report) is completed and submitted after the workshop and is not included in the face-to-face assessment time.
• Ideal class size: 6–8 learners (even numbers preferred for paired practical activities).
• Assessment 5 is conducted face-to-face under direct supervision and observation by a qualified assessor. Learners will alternate roles during practical activities to ensure all required tasks are demonstrated individually.

All assessment tasks are completed individually. Online knowledge assessments are open-book. During practical activities, learners may ask clarification questions as they would in a workplace setting; however, all demonstrated skills and submitted documentation must be their own work. Refer to Academic Integrity requirements for further information.

Reassessment

If competency is not achieved in any assessment task, learners will be provided with one further opportunity for reassessment at no additional cost. If competency is still not achieved following reassessment, re-enrolment may be required. Refer to the Simtars Assessment Policy for full details.

Statement of Attainment – BSBWHS419 Contribute to implementing WHS monitoring processes (nationally recognised, AQF) issued by Simtars (Registration Code 45647).

Statement of Completion – for the additional non-accredited topics covered during training (not nationally recognised).

AQF certification (Statement of Attainment) is issued within 30 calendar days of successful completion of all assessment requirements and settlement of fees.

Tuition Fee: $1,600.00 (GST exempt)

Important Notice to Consumer: You have a right to cancel the Application for Enrolment (Part B) within 10 business days from and including the day after you signed or received the agreement.

Accepted payment methods: Credit card (Visa/Mastercard), EFT, Purchase Order.

Refunds: Withdrawals and reschedules follow the Simtars Fees & Refunds Policyp>

No government funding or subsidies are available for this course.

This course is not approved under any Commonwealth or Queensland Government VET funding program, including User Choice, JobTrainer, or VET Student Loans. The full fee of $1,600.00 (GST exempt) is payable by the student or their employer. Simtars is required under the Standards for RTOs 2025 and ASQA guidelines to not make any misleading representations about funding availability.

Employer-funded enrolments: Many participants undertake this course as a condition of employment or as part of their site's dust monitoring program. Employers can be invoiced directly via Purchase Order. Contact the training team to arrange an organisational enrolment: training@simtars.qld.gov.au | (07) 3810 6328.

• View Fees & Refunds Policy
• View Complaints & Appeals Policy
• View Simtars Student Handbook

Simtars is committed to an inclusive learning environment. We can provide:

• Alternative assessment formats (e.g. written → oral)
• Extended time for online tasks and assessments
• Accessible learning resources (screen-reader friendly, captions/transcripts, large text, downloadable PDFs)
• Support from trainers with long-term industry experience in respirable dust monitoring

To request support or reasonable adjustment:

• Contact Student Support at training@simtars.qld.gov.au or (07) 3810 6328.
• Tell us what you need. We will respond within 3 business days and confirm a support plan.

A 10-business-day cooling-off period applies. See the Fees & Refunds Policy for details.

All assessment work submitted for BSBWHS419 must be your own and must genuinely reflect your skills, knowledge and experience. Assessment in this nationally recognised course is designed to confirm competency the integrity of that judgement matters for you, for your employer, for regulators, and for the safety of others working in Queensland mines.

The following are not permitted and constitute academic misconduct:

• Plagiarism submitting another person's work, copied text, or AI-generated content as your own
• Collusion working with others to produce a submission that is presented as your individual work
• Fabrication inventing, falsifying or misrepresenting evidence, data, workplace records or third-party verification
• Contract cheating having someone else complete your assessment, in whole or in part

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools: You must not use AI writing or generation tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot) to produce assessment responses, reports or written work unless Simtars has explicitly authorised this in writing for a specific task. Submitting AI-generated content as your own is a form of academic misconduct.

Consequences: Where academic misconduct is identified, Simtars will follow its Academic Integrity Policy. This may include requiring resubmission, invalidating the submission, or, in serious cases, withdrawing enrolment. Misconduct may be reported to relevant regulators where it affects the integrity of a safety-critical qualification.

View the Academic Integrity and AI Use Policy in the Simtars Student Handbook.

Simtars collects, stores and uses your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld). Your information may be shared with the Australian Government (NCVER), ASQA, Queensland regulators, and other parties as required for training, assessment, and AQF credential issuance purposes.

View our Privacy Statement in the Simtars Student Handbook.

This course is delivered directly by Simtars (Registration Code 45647). Simtars does not engage third parties for training delivery, assessment, or student recruitment for this course. All trainers and assessors are Simtars staff who meet the trainer and assessor credential requirements of the Standards for RTOs 2025 and hold current industry competency in respirable dust monitoring in Queensland mines. Current trainers and assessors: Craig Tayler (Director – Training, Testing and Certification Centre) and John Padgam (Principal Occupational Hygienist).

Simtars upholds the integrity of nationally recognised training and the validity of all assessment outcomes under the Standards for RTOs 2025. All assessment evidence must meet the Rules of Evidence it must be valid, sufficient, authentic and current. You are expected to submit work that is genuinely your own and that accurately reflects your competency.

Academic misconduct includes:

• Plagiarism: Submitting another person's work, ideas or words as your own without acknowledgement, including copying from course materials, published sources or other students.
• Collusion: Working with another person to produce what is presented as individual work including sharing answers for online assessments or the post-workshop case study.
• Contract cheating: Having another person or paid service complete your assessments on your behalf.
• Misrepresentation: Providing false information, fabricating workplace data or records, or misrepresenting your experience or qualifications in an RPL application.
• AI-generated responses: Submitting responses written or substantially drafted by generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) as your own work. AI-generated content cannot demonstrate authentic competency and does not satisfy the Rules of Evidence under the Standards for RTOs 2025.

Use of AI tools in your studies

AI tools may support your learning for example, to research a topic, check your understanding or review your writing for clarity. You must not use AI to generate your assessment responses. Assessors are trained to identify AI-generated content. Assessments where AI use is suspected will be referred for review and may result in a finding of academic misconduct.

Consequences of academic misconduct

Where misconduct is identified, Simtars will notify you in writing, provide an opportunity to respond, and apply consequences in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy which may include requiring reassessment, cancellation of enrolment, or referral to ASQA where training integrity is at risk. All outcomes are recorded on your student file.

Your obligations:

• Read the Simtars Academic Integrity and AI Use Policy (available in the Student Handbook and on the learner information page)
• Certify that all submitted work is your own when completing each assessment task
• Contact your trainer before submitting if you are unsure what is and is not permitted

View Academic Integrity and AI Use Policy

Under Standard 1.6 of the Standards for RTOs 2025, Simtars is required to offer all students the opportunity to seek Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for BSBWHS419 – Contribute to implementing WHS monitoring processes. RPL is an assessment-only pathway that recognises skills and knowledge already acquired through formal training, informal learning, or work experience.

Who should consider RPL?

RPL may be appropriate if you have extensive practical experience conducting respirable dust monitoring in coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, and can provide current, authentic evidence that you already meet all requirements of BSBWHS419 as published on training.gov.au.

What evidence may be considered?

• Records of dust sampling work you have completed (sampling logs, site records, monitoring reports)
• Third-party verification from a supervisor or site manager confirming your monitoring activities and competency
• Prior qualifications, Statements of Attainment or transcripts relevant to the unit
• Workplace documents such as dust monitoring procedures or SOPs you have authored or applied
• Evidence of relevant training (e.g. previous MRES completions, Coal Services courses, in-house training)

Important RPL applies the same standard as course assessment: RPL is not an easy or automatic pathway. All RPL evidence is assessed with the same rigour as regular course assessment, applying the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence required under the Standards for RTOs 2025. Evidence must be current (within the preceding 3 years is recommended) and directly map to the unit requirements.

Gap training: If your RPL evidence partially meets the unit requirements, Simtars will advise you on any gap training required and associated costs before you proceed.

Note for coal mines: Because BSBWHS419 satisfies the CMSHAC-recognised competency requirement for coal mine dust sampling (a prescribed task under s.76(3)(a) of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999), RPL evidence must be sufficiently current and demonstrate safe, accurate dust sampling capability to AS 2985 in a coal mine environment.

How to apply: Contact Simtars to request an RPL information pack and discuss your suitability before enrolling.

• Email: training@simtars.qld.gov.au | Phone: (07) 3810 6328

View RPL & Credit Transfer Policy

A USI is required for this course. All students undertaking nationally recognised training in Australia must hold a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI). This is a legal requirement under the Student Identifiers Act 2014. Simtars cannot issue your Statement of Attainment, submit your AVETMISS training activity data, or produce your authenticated VET transcript without a verified USI.

What you need to do:

• Create your USI at www.usi.gov.au (free, approximately 5 minutes)
• Provide your USI to Simtars on your Application for Enrolment (Part B)
• Ensure your USI is linked to your correct legal name and date of birth this must match your identity documents

Already have a USI? Confirm and retrieve it at www.usi.gov.au/your-usi/find-your-usi. You can also view your full VET transcript, which records all nationally recognised training completions held in the USI Register useful for credit transfer applications.

Privacy: Simtars accesses your USI only to report your training activity to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) and to issue your AQF certification documentation, in accordance with the Student Identifiers Act 2014 and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Need help? Contact Student Support: training@simtars.qld.gov.au | (07) 3810 6300