The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) has unveiled a new “silica hub” to assist businesses in complying with the upcoming silica regulations, which came into effect on September 1, 2024.
This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to address the serious health risks associated with silica dust exposure in the workplace.
The newly launched resource centre provides comprehensive guidance on:
- Identifying crystalline silica in workplace materials
- Recognising high-risk crystalline silica processes
- Conducting proper air monitoring
- Implementing effective dust control measures
- Selecting appropriate respiratory protection
Developed by expert occupational hygienists, the hub aims to answer common questions from employers and workers seeking to understand and implement the new regulatory requirements.
Tracey Bence, Past President of AIOH, emphasised the importance of these resources: “Silica may be common in materials at workplaces but knowing how to control silica dust is not always common knowledge. Our aim is to empower businesses with that knowledge and practical solutions to effectively manage silica dust exposure.”
Kate Cole, OAM, another Past President of AIOH, added: “With the seriousness of silica-related disease, it’s vital that businesses have access to credible resources. The AIOH silica hub not just educates but also equips businesses to make informed decisions about how to protect their workers from dust diseases.”
The new regulations apply to all crystalline silica processes across industries.
Key aspects include:
- A workplace exposure standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) of 0.05 mg/m3 over an eight-hour time-weighted average
- Mandatory implementation of control measures to ensure WES compliance
- Requirements for air monitoring and health monitoring programs in workplaces with RCS presence
With the potential for severe penalties, including on-the-spot fines of $3,600 for uncontrolled cutting, grinding, drilling, and polishing of engineered stone materials, businesses are urged to take these new regulations seriously.
The AIOH encourages all businesses where crystalline silica is present to access these free resources on their website to ensure compliance and protect worker health as the new regulations come into effect.
