Stronger safety regulations have come into effect regarding the high silica ban in Australia.
A ban on the use of high silica manufactured stone has already been in place since July 1, however these latest changes build on that.
The new changes relate to the processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS) – a material that contains at least one per cent crystalline silica by weight.
“There are over 600,000 workers exposed to deadly crystalline silica dust, engineered stone benchtops are only part of the story,” Australian Workers Union (AWU) National Secretary Paul Farrow said.
“We welcome state and territory ministers’ action on this in conjunction with Safe Work Australia to protect workers from silica dust.
“For years, the AWU has been campaigning for legislation to protect workers, this dust is present in hundreds of worksites across Australia and employers have turned a blind eye to the health and safety of their workers.”
What’s new?
The regulations mainly impact PCBUs (person conducting a business or undertaking) working with CSS to ensure they have the correct controls in place.
This includes implementing at least one of the following, via WorkSafe QLD:
- the isolation of a person from dust exposure;
- a fully enclosed operator cabin, fitted with a high efficiency air filtration system;
- an effective wet dust suppression method;
- an effective on-tool extraction system;
- an effective local exhaust ventilation system.
Generally speaking, the processing of CSS revolves around the following tasks:
- the use of power tools or mechanical plant to carry out an activity involving the crushing, cutting, grinding, trimming, sanding, abrasive polishing or drilling of a CSS; or
- the use of roadheaders to excavate material that is a CSS; or
- the quarrying of a material that is a CSS; or
- mechanical screening involving a material that is a CSS; or
- tunnelling through a material that is a CSS; or
- a process that exposes, or is reasonably likely to expose, a person to respirable crystalline silica during the manufacture or handling of a CSS.
You can download the latest WHS guide for processing CSS here.