MANAGING SILICA DUST EXPOSURE: CODE OF PRACTICE, SWMS, AND ONLINE TRAINING

On 1 May 2023, the Code of Practice

– Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements came into effect in relation to the management of the risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in construction work and the manufacturing of construction elements.

Is your business compliant?

All Queensland based employers have a legal obligation to comply with approved government Codes of Practice that are applicable to their operations. Codes of Practice are governmentissued practical guides as to how a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is to manage WHS obligations.

What is RCS?

Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in many building materials, such as:

• bricks, blocks, pavers, tiles, and mortar

• concrete and cement, including products such as fibre-cement sheeting and autoclaved-aerated concrete

• most rocks, sands, and clays.

Tasks such as cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, polishing, scabbling, or crushing materials that contain crystalline silica can generate RCS.

RCS particles are so small they cannot be seen under ordinary lighting and stay airborne long after larger particles have settled to the ground. The small particle size means it is easily inhaled deep into the lungs (<10 µm).