TEST
Respirable Crystalline Silica Assessment Service
What is crystalline silica and why does it matter?
- Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must manage health and safety risks from hazardous substances, including respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
- PCBUs must ensure worker exposure to RCS is below the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) of 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour time weighted average), keeping exposure as low as reasonably practicable.
- Air monitoring and exposure assessment must be conducted when workers might inhale silica dust, to measure airborne RCS accurately and ensure compliance with exposure limits.
- If exposure risks remain, PCBUs are required to implement the hierarchy of controls: engineering controls (such as local exhaust ventilation and wet methods), administrative controls, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
- Health surveillance programs must be in place when exposure cannot be fully eliminated, to monitor worker health and prevent occupational diseases like silicosis.
- Conducting risk assessments for silica exposure is a regulatory requirement before undertaking work involving crystalline silica processes.
Occupational Hygiene & OHS Solutions (OHOS) Pty Ltd Services for RCS
Occupational Hygiene & OHS Solutions (OHOS) Pty Ltd provides comprehensive respirable crystalline silica air monitoring and exposure assessment services tailored to various industries. Our approach includes:
- Air Monitoring and Sample Analysis:
Using state-of-the-art personal and area sampling equipment, we collect air samples to measure respirable crystalline silica concentrations in the workplace. All samples are analyzed by National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)-accredited laboratories to ensure accuracy and compliance. - Exposure Risk Assessments:
We identify high-risk tasks and environments where silica dust is generated, helping you understand potential exposure sources. - Control Measures Recommendations:
Based on monitoring results, we advise on effective control strategies including engineering solutions like local exhaust ventilation and wet cutting methods, administrative controls, and proper use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE). - Health Surveillance Coordination:
Occupational Hygiene & OHS Solutions (OHOS) Pty Ltd can assist in establishing respiratory health monitoring programs aligned with regulatory requirements to safeguard worker health over time. - Worker Training and Awareness:
We offer education and guidance to increase worker understanding of silica hazards and encourage safe work practices.
Relevant Standards and Regulatory Guidelines
- Workplace Exposure Standards:
The respirable crystalline silica exposure limit in Australia is 0.05 mg/m³ averaged over an 8-hour work shift, as defined by Safe Work Australia. - Guidance Materials:
Safe Work Australia provides practical guidance on silica dust management including sampling protocols and control options. - Australian Standards:
Sampling and monitoring align with standards such as AS 2985-2009 and International best practices including ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management systems. - Health Monitoring Requirements:
Regulatory frameworks mandate health surveillance where exposure to crystalline silica cannot be fully eliminated.
Why Choose OHOS for Your Silica Monitoring Needs
- Our consultants are Certified Occupational Hygienists with over 20 years of experience working across diverse industries including manufacturing, construction, mining, and engineered stone fabrication.
- We provide tailored occupational hygiene services across metropolitan, regional, and remote locations nationwide.
- We employ advanced sampling technology and engage accredited laboratories to ensure reliable, compliant data.
- Detailed, practical reports are provided along with clear recommendations and support for regulatory compliance.
- Services are designed to minimize disruption, accommodating client shift patterns with prompt on-site delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is respirable crystalline silica and why is it a hazard?
It is a fine dust generated from silica-containing materials that can cause serious lung disease when inhaled. - When is air monitoring for RCS required?
Monitoring is necessary when work tasks create dust with potential to exceed exposure limits and impact worker health. - What standards govern RCS exposure?
Australian Workplace Exposure Standard is 0.05 mg/m³ over an eight-hour period. - What control measures are recommended to reduce silica exposure?
Engineering controls such as ventilation and wet methods, combined with PPE and worker training. - How frequent should health surveillance be?
Frequency depends on exposure risk and regulatory guidelines, typically involving periodic respiratory assessments. - What documentation will I receive post-assessment?
You will receive comprehensive reports detailing exposure levels, control recommendations, and compliance documentation.
Comparison Table: Control Measures Effectiveness
| Control Measure | Description | Effectiveness | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Exhaust Ventilation | Extraction systems at the source | High | Cutting, grinding, drilling |
| Wet Methods | Using water to suppress silica dust | High | Sawing, polishing, material prep |
| Respiratory Protective Equipment | Masks and respirators | Moderate (last resort) | All silica-generating activities |
Key Industry Facts & Statistics
- Silicosis is a preventable but incurable lung disease caused by RCS exposure.
- Safe Work Australia mandates workplace exposure limits and monitoring for crystalline silica.
- Highest risks are generally found in construction, mining, quarrying, and engineered stone fabrication.
- Regular monitoring and control are essential to prevent long-term health damage.
Contact Occupational Hygiene & OHS Solutions (OHOS) Pty Ltd
For expert assessment, air monitoring, and practical advice on managing respirable crystalline silica exposure across your workplaces, contact us today. Our team provides professional support to help fulfill your duty of care under WHS obligations and maintain safe working environments.