New regulation on processing crystalline silica substances in effect (1 September 2024)

• From 1 September, stronger regulation concerning processing of crystalline silica substances is in place.
• These regulatory changes build on the 1 July 2024 engineered stone ban and extends protections to Queenslanders working across all industries.

Following national agreement in February 2023, stronger regulation on processing crystalline silica substances came into effect on 1 September 2024.

A crystalline silica substance (CSS) is defined as any material containing at least one per cent crystalline silica by weight.

These new regulations mean processing of CSS across all industries must be controlled.

Before commencing processing, businesses must first assess if the processing will be high risk. Where assessed as high risk, additional control measures and a risk control plan must be employed to reduce the risk to health for workers and those around them.

Businesses must also consider whether, under pre-existing WHS Regulation requirements, air monitoring and /or health monitoring is required.

Explainer and further information:

• Regulation on processing crystalline silica substances
• Safe Work Australia guidance
• Work Health and Safety Ministers' communique committing to stronger regulation
• CSS single sample exceedance result reporting form