The national workspace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica has been halved from an eight hour time-weighted average airborne concentration of 0.1 milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m3) to 0.05 mg/m3.
Queensland employers will need to ensure they are prepared for the new updated standard from 1 July 2020. Those that do not meet the new standards may be open to significant risk so it is now as important than ever to manage your worker exposure to dust and silica.
What does this involve?
using higher order controls (including elimination, engineering, isolation and substitution)
air monitoring
health monitoring
training for workers
appropriate respiratory protective equipment.
To help meet the new standard, use a combination of controls to stop dust at its source, remove dust from the air and stop dust from spreading. While different industries have different processes and requirements, all industries can use these higher order controls to protect workers.
Stop dust at its source
Use products with a lower silica content.
Use enclosed equipment.
Use water suppression methods in combination with spray/mist guards.
Use on-tool dust extraction.
Portable dust extractors should be H class rated. Note: M class portable dust extractors can be used in the construction industry.
Use tools that produce less dust (e.g. use a fibre cement sheet shear instead of a circular saw).
Remove dust from the air
Stop dust from spreading
Enclose a dusty process in a booth or enclosure e.g. abrasive blasting cabinet or glove box.
Clean up regularly, but at least once a day, with a H Class vacuum, wet methods or low-pressure water. Note: M class vacuum cleaners can be used in the construction industry.
Dispose of wet dust slurry before it dries out in a way that minimises the risk of dust being redistributed over the workplace (e.g. covered, kept wet, bagged).
