Silica in the workplace
General
Dusts containing silica in the form of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) represent a longstanding health hazard in Queensland’s workplaces such as:
- construction
- tunnelling
- brick, tile and concrete product manufacturing
- monumental masonry
- some abrasive blasting operations
- metal polishing operations
- mining operations.
Health hazards associated with silica
Long term exposure to dusts containing RCS can lead to a range of adverse health outcomes including:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (including bronchitis and emphysema)
- silicosis
- lung cancer
- end stage renal disease
- decline in respiratory function.
Because silica is the basic constituent of sand, many processes involving use and production of concrete can have silica health implications. For more, see the fact sheet Silica and the lung (PDF, 408kB).
Legislation concerning silica exposure
Where products containing silica are supplied to a workplace and supported by a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), they are subject to the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 - Part 16 Hazardous Substances.
Some workplaces involving RCS are not subject to the Regulation such as when silica used in the workplace which is not associated with a product that has an MSDS, such as, tunnelling and concrete grinding. In these situations, obligations for control of the risk are found in the Workplace Heath and Safety Act, 1995.
The Hazardous Substances Code of Practice 2003 provides general guidance to assist in meeting the performance obligations of the Regulation, but does not specifically address silica.
Where can I find simple guidance on silica?
Simple guidance on the regulatory processes for dealing with RCS is in Information Guide Silica - Identifying and managing crystalline silica dust exposure (PDF, 360kB).
Where can I find extensive guidance on dealing with silica?
More extensive guidance providing information on silica related disease, stepwise application of the Regulation, the exposure standard for RCS, personal exposure monitoring for RCS, health surveillance, suitable controls and their efficacy for silica containing dusts, including personal protection, and training and induction about silica can be found in Silica - managing exposure in the workplace - Occupational Disease Strategy 2007 - 2010 (PDF, 593kB).
Which Codes of Practice deal with silica in the workplace?
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has three Codes of Practice addressing exposure to dusts where silica can be a hazard to health. They are:
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