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New Silica Code of Practice in Construction
Sep 5, 2024
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Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in construction is now managed via a new Code of Practice released in late 2022.
The Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction manufacturing of construction elements Code of Practice 2022 is an approved code of practice under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
WHSQ, 2022
Enforceable from 1 May 2023, the new code is designed to assist construction (and manufacturing of construction elements) workplaces achieve the required standards of health, safety and welfare.
What does this mean?
In a nutshell, the Code of Practice shows how to achieve compliance when working with respirable crystalline silica in construction industries.
As all workplaces are different, the Code aims to provide a step by step process which can followed for each company to determine:
if the work falls under the scope of ‘construction or manufacturing construction elements’ industries,
if respirable crystalline silica is likely to be generated by the work conducted,
if the generation of RCS is adequately controlled to below hazardous levels by a set of control guidelines,
how to determine if workers are exposed to hazardous levels of RCS if the required controls are not in place or not being used,
The immediate controls (in the form of respiratory protection and health monitoring) that must occur, if exposure is likely.
The ongoing measures required to reduce worker exposure by implementing controls (using the hierarchy of controls)
Requirements to provide a means to show compliance via:
SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) for high risk construction work
RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) Dust Control Plan
The Code of Practice also provides assistance in:
choosing the right controls for tasks conducted
reducing any RCS exposure using the ‘hierarchy of controls’
finding the required health professional to conduct atmospheric sampling, exposure risk assessments, respirator fit testing
interpretation of the health aspects of the code of practice.
If you require assistance with any of the elements of the Code of Practice, please contact Hygienium via our contact page or phone or email directly.
Melanie – Principal Occupational Hygienist
