Silica consulting
"Silica Safety Starts Here: Assess, Manage, Protect."
what is silica?
Silica dust is found in some stone, rock, sand, gravel, and clay. Silica dust can also be found in the following products: bricks, tiles, concrete, and some plastic materials. When these materials are worked on, silica is released as a fine dust known as respirable crystalline silica or silica dust.
Silica dust is harmful when inhaled as it is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. Exposure to silica dust can lead to the development of lung cancer and several additional health problems. It is estimated that 230 people develop lung cancer each year because of past exposure to silica dust at work.
Partnering with All Clear Group provides you with the assurance of dealing with a reputable occupational hygiene consultancy in NSW.
We offer a complete suite of services to manage the risk of crystalline silica dust exposure. Our silica dust testing is conducted in a NATA-accredited laboratory, ensuring accuracy and reliability in results.
If crystalline silica is detected during air testing, All Clear Group develops a tailored exposure assessment strategy and assists in implementing regulatory requirements for occupational health and hygiene.
All Clear Group test reports uphold metrological traceability and comply with relevant Australian Standards, providing comprehensive documentation for your compliance needs.
Why Choose us?
crystalline silica health effects
Crystalline silica dust particles can be so minuscule that they penetrate deep into the lungs, termed ‘respirable’ silica dust. This type of dust poses severe health risks, potentially leading to lung damage known as silicosis. Silicosis manifests in several forms, depending on the duration and intensity of exposure:
Acute silicosis
Develops rapidly after brief exposure to high levels of silica dust, causing severe lung inflammation and protein accumulation.
Accelerated silicosis
Occurs after 3 to 10 years of exposure to moderate to high levels of silica dust, resulting in lung inflammation, protein buildup, and scarring (fibrotic nodules).
Chronic silicosis
Develops from prolonged exposure to lower levels of silica dust, leading to fibrotic nodules in the lungs, shortness of breath, and potential progression to massive fibrosis, where fibrotic nodules aggregate.
other health related issues
Workers exposed to silica dust are also at risk of developing other serious conditions, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, kidney damage, and scleroderma—a connective tissue disorder causing scar tissue formation in skin, joints, and organs.
Managing the exposure of Crystalline silica
Under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) have specific responsibilities to effectively manage the health and safety risks associated with Crystalline silica. PCBUs are required to ensure that workplace exposure to crystalline silica remains below the prescribed standard and provide health monitoring for workers.
To effectively manage the risks and worker exposures related to silica, it is recommended to implement control measures following the hierarchy of controls:
Substitution: Consider using composite stone benchtops with a lower silica percentage as an alternative to minimize exposure.
Isolation: Implement safe work design principles by designating specific areas for tasks that generate dust and ensuring appropriate worker positioning. Use enclosures and automation techniques to conduct dust-generating tasks.
Engineering controls: Implement engineering measures to minimize the risk of exposure to generated dust. This can include local exhaust ventilation, water suppression (wet cutting), or utilizing tools equipped with dust collection attachments.
Administrative controls: If risks persist, implement administrative measures such as good housekeeping policies, shift rotations, and modifying cutting sequences.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): If risks remain, provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection such as a minimum of a P2 efficiency half-face respirator, as well as work clothing that minimizes dust collection.
It is important to note that more than one control measure is typically required to adequately protect workers from silica-related hazards.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that we get most about silica
When materials containing silica are disturbed, they can release fine silica dust into the air. Inhalation of this respirable crystalline silica can lead to serious health issues, including silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases.
Silica exposure is assessed through air quality testing, where samples are collected and analyzed to measure silica dust concentrations in the workplace.
Control measures include implementing engineering controls (like ventilation systems), using wet methods to minimize dust, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and conducting regular monitoring.
Conduct regular risk assessments, provide training for employees on silica hazards, implement effective control measures, and monitor exposure levels consistently.
If exposure limits are exceeded, it’s essential to take immediate action by implementing control measures, reassessing work practices, and providing additional training to employees.
Talk to the experts today!
Contact Us
At every stage of your project, prioritizing safety is essential. At All Clear Group, we’re dedicated to providing you with peace of mind through our prompt and dependable silica consulting services.
Whether you need testing, assessment, or management solutions, our expert team is here to guide you. Contact us today to ensure a safe and compliant environment for you and your employees.
Reach us through
- 49 Dobney Ave, Wagga Wagga, 2650
- (02) 69376200
- info@allcleargroup.com.au
