Silica Risk Management

PCBUs are reminded of their primary duty of care to provide and maintain safe systems of work. From 1 November 2022, if you cannot eliminate silica dust from your workplace:

• you must have a continuous feed of water over the cutting area, plus one other silica control measure plus RPE when modifying engineered stone
• when modifying silica containing materials (other than engineered stone) you must:
  • use a continuous flow of water over the cutting site
  • where this is not practicable, then a dust suppression method plus one other silica control measure is to be used
  • where this is not practicable, on tool dust extraction plus one other silica control measure is to be used
  • where this is not reasonably practicable, just a wet suppression method or on tool extraction or a fully enclosed cabin can be used
  • and where this is not reasonably practicable, one silica control measure plus RPE can be used.

From 1 July 2023, PCBUs will also be required to risk assess all entrants to site to ensure they have the silica training where required. The training captures all workers and includes contractors, interstate workers and new entrants to the industry. Talk to your workers and contractors about these changes in toolbox talks and in the early stages of tendering to ensure they are aware of the rules and are adhering to the new legislated requirements.

If you are unsure whether someone who is entering your site requires silica training or would like to discuss any WHS changes, please contact the Member Services Team on (02) 6175 5900.