New regulations to control high risk crystalline silica substance activities

New duties, commencing 1 September 2024, will require businesses to undertake a risk assessment of the processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS). Where high-risk activities are identified, under the new regs, businesses will need to plan, document and implement specific controls at the workplace.

Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in a variety of CSS building materials including bricks, blocks, pavers, tiles, mortar, concrete and cement-based products (such as fibre-cement sheeting and autoclaved-aerated concrete), rocks, sand, and clay.

When processed, CSS can release respirable crystalline silica dust (RCS). Exposure to this RCS dust can lead to the development of significant health issues including the deadly disease silicosis. So, while CSS are commonly found in objects, businesses can’t be complacent when it comes to preventing their workers from exposure to RCS.

Under the new regulations, CSS is defined as any material containing at least one per cent crystalline silica and stipulates that all processing be controlled.

RCS dust is generated during high-energy processes involving CSS products. Cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, polishing, scabbling, and crushing can release the dust into the air.

The Model Work Health and Safety Regulations (Crystalline Silica Substances) Amendment 2024 outlines the duties for businesses working with CSS and will be brought into effect in Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

Where risk assessment determines processing of a CSS is high-risk, businesses must provide instruction, information and training about the health risks and control measures to workers, and develop a silica risk control plan.

Where undertaking processing that is high-risk, businesses will be required to consider whether, under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, air monitoring and/or health monitoring is required.