To support the recently released model Code of Practice for managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica in the workplace, Safe Work Australia (SWA) has published resources to assist employers and those working with silica-containing materials.
This release carries weight in Victoria as it adds to our state of knowledge on what should be considered reasonably practicable when controlling risks associated with silica exposure.
When materials containing crystalline silica are processed (such as when they are cut, sanded, polished, drilled, or crushed), they can release tiny silica dust particles into the air. These particles are called respirable crystalline silica (RCS). They’re so small you can’t see them, and they can stay in the air for a long time.
Breathing in RCS can cause serious irreversible lung diseases like silicosis and lung cancer. These diseases can take years to show symptoms and may keep getting worse even after stopping exposure to RCS. All silica-related diseases are preventable by using controls that eliminate or effectively minimise exposure to RCS.
Silica is classified as a hazardous substance and is therefore regulated under Chapter 4 - Hazardous Substances - of the 2017 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. This means that the employer has the legal duty to identify the hazard and eliminate or control any risk, provide information and training, undertake atmospheric monitoring, maintain records and, in the case of crystalline silica, carry out health surveillance.
Whilst, as of July 2024 activities related to the manufacturing, supply, processing, or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, or slabs is prohibited in Australia, workers still remain across a broad range of workplaces and industries including manufacturing, stonemasonry, construction, tunnelling, demolition, mining and quarrying.
In combination with WorkSafe’s guidance, Victorian employers and others working with silica are provided with free access to a wealth of information and support to assist them in managing the risks associated with silica.
The new SWA resources include templates, a checklist and case studies:
- Assessing if the processing of silica is high risk – optional template
- Silica risk control plan – optional template
- Evaluating a respiratory protective equipment program for silica exposure – checklist
- Maintaining respiratory protective equipment used to minimise silica exposure, and
- Assessing if the processing of silica is high risk – case studies.
HSRs can also find information for workplaces that use products containing silica on our Silica - OHS Reps page.