What is respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
Crystalline silica is a common mineral that is frequently used in the construction industry.
- bricks, blocks, pavers, tiles and mortar
- concrete and cement, including products such as fibre-cement sheeting and autoclaved-aerated concrete
- most rocks, sands, and clays.
Tasks such as cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, polishing, scabbling or crushing materials that contain crystalline silica can generate RCS.
What are the health effects of RCS
Inhaling RCS can lead to silicosis, an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death. RCS can also contribute to lung cancer, renal cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Silicosis usually follows exposure to RCS over many years, but extremely high exposures across the short-term can cause it to develop rapidly.
The symptoms of silicosis include:
- shortness of breath
- severe cough
- weakness.
Code of Practice for silica
The Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements Code of Practice 2022 (the Code) is an approved code of practice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act).
The Code is a practical guide on meeting legislative obligations to manage the risk of RCS exposure in construction work and the manufacturing of construction elements. It applies to all construction activities, related manufacturing, and any WHS Act-regulated workplace where these tasks are performed, requiring PCBUs to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of every worker while at work.
What does the Code of Practice mean for PCBUs
Persons conducting business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of each worker. This includes a legal duty to manage risks related to using, handling, generating, or storing hazardous chemicals, such as RCS. Key duties for managing RCS exposure include:
- duty to make sure no person at the workplace is exposed to RCS at a level above the workplace exposure standard (WES)
- duty to make sure air monitoring is carried out if:
- they are not certain, on reasonable grounds, the workplace exposure standard has been exceeded
- monitoring is needed to determine if there is a risk to health.
- duty to make sure health monitoring is carried out if there is an ongoing significant risk to a worker’s health from exposure to RCS.
Control measures
The Code outlines how duty holders can meet the requirements of Queensland’s work health and safety legislation, including eliminating or minimising exposure to RCS at work by:
- using tried and tested dust control methods that prevent silica dust from being generated or being released into the air, including water suppression and on-tool dust extraction
- using appropriate respirable protective equipment to safeguard at-risk workers
- using exposure data from air monitoring to check dust controls are effective
- providing health monitoring to at-risk workers, with clearly defined triggers for testing based on level of risk
- consulting with workers, as well as training, education, instruction and supervision of workers.
Stronger regulation on processing crystalline silica substances came into effect on 1 September 2024
What are the new duties?
Under the regulations, a crystalline silica substance (CSS) is defined as any material containing at least one per cent crystalline silica by weight and stipulates that all processing be controlled.
In accordance with new section 529B of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation), processing is ‘controlled’ if control measures are implemented, so far as is reasonably practicable, to eliminate or minimise risks arising from the processing and at least 1 of the following control measures is used during the processing:
- the isolation of a person from dust exposure.
- a fully enclosed operator cabin, fitted with a high efficiency air filtration system.
- an effective wet dust suppression method.
- an effective on-tool extraction system.
- an effective local exhaust ventilation system.
Should a person still be at risk of exposure to RCS despite these control measures, suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) must be provided and worn.
SWMS for RCS
Construction work carried out in an area that may have an atmosphere contaminated with RCS is high risk construction work and will require a safe work method statement. Find information about SWMS for RCS on eDocs, free for eligible members.
SWMS or silica risk control plan NEW
Construction work carried out in an area that may have an atmosphere contaminated with RCS is high risk construction work and will require a safe work method statement.
If processing is assessed as high-risk:
- a silica risk control plan (or Safe Work Method Statement for high-risk construction work) must be prepared and retained for inspection, and additional control requirements applied; and
- accredited or regulator approved crystalline silica training must also be provided to workers carrying out the processing, or at risk of exposure to RCS because of the processing, with training records retained for inspection.
Crystalline silica training requirements
Under section 529CD of the WHS Regulation, a PCBU must ensure a worker receives crystalline silica training if the person reasonably believes the worker may be:
(a) involved in the processing of a CSS that is high risk; or
(b) at risk of exposure to RCS because of the processing of a CSS that is high risk.
Crystalline silica training in relation the health risks associated with exposure to RCS and the need for, and proper use of, control measures required under this regulation must be either:
- vocational educational training (VET) accredited, or
- approved by the regulator.
A record of training undertaken must be kept by the PCBU for inspection while the worker is processing the CSS, and for a further five years after the worker stops being a worker for the PCBU.
How can I comply with this training requirement?
The training requirements can be complied with in two ways – by completing VET accredited courses or by undertaking training which is approved by the regulator.
Our Silica Awareness training meets the criteria for the 11 training topics. Certificate of completion is obtained on completion. For any questions, please reach out to the WHS team at whs@mbqld.com.au or 1300 30 50 10.
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
RPE is needed if the higher order dust controls used to manage RCS exposure are not able to reduce exposure to below the workplace exposure standard.
If the PCBU does require the use of RPE at the workplace, the PCBU must ensure the RPE provided is:
- suitable having regard to the nature of the work and any hazard associated with the work
- a suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable for the worker who is to use or wear it
- maintained, repaired or replaced so that it continues to minimise risk to the worker who uses it, including by ensuring that the equipment is clean and hygienic, and in good working order.
The PCBU must also ensure the RPE is used or worn by the worker, so far as is reasonably practicable.
The PCBU must not charge or impose a levy on a worker for the provision of RPE, or any other item of personal protective equipment.
RCS Silica Awareness Training Course
Attend one of our silica awareness courses to learn more.
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