Silica Dust Control & Safety

Respirable crystalline silica, commonly known as RCS, is the very fine fraction of crystalline silica dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. It can be generated when silica-containing materials such as concrete, bricks, mortar, tiles and stone are cut, drilled, ground, crushed or otherwise disturbed.

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica should always be kept as low as reasonably practicable.

Australian workplaces are currently transitioning from Workplace Exposure Standards to Workplace Exposure Limits.

Until 30 November 2026, PCBUs must continue to comply with the current Workplace Exposure Standard for respirable crystalline silica.

From 1 December 2026, the Workplace Exposure Limits framework will apply.

Exposure limits should not be treated as a dividing line between safe and unsafe exposure. Effective controls should be used to minimise airborne silica dust as far as reasonably practicable.

Silicosis is a serious and irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust.

The dust can cause inflammation and scarring of lung tissue, reducing the lungs’ ability to function effectively.

Silicosis can develop following repeated or prolonged exposure and, in some circumstances, can develop after more intense exposure over a shorter period.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica is also associated with other serious health risks.

Many common construction activities can generate respirable crystalline silica dust, including:

• Cutting concrete, brick, stone or tiles
• Angle grinding
• Chasing
• Drilling
• Jackhammering
• Chiselling
• Demolition
• Crushing
• Sanding and polishing
• Dry sweeping of silica-containing dust

The amount of dust generated depends on the material, process, equipment, duration of work and control measures being used.

RVT Group Australia takes a project-specific approach to silica dust control.

Once we receive your enquiry, one of our consultants can assess your project and understand factors such as the work activity, site access, available space, containment requirements and surrounding environment.

We can then recommend a suitable temporary engineering control solution, which may include:

• Local exhaust ventilation
• Dust extraction
• HEPA filtration
• Negative-pressure systems
• Temporary containment
• High-airflow ventilation
• Dust monitoring equipment

Where required, we can also assist with installation, commissioning and ongoing support throughout the project.

PCBUs must manage the risks associated with respirable crystalline silica in accordance with applicable WHS legislation and regulations.

This includes identifying the hazard, assessing the risk, implementing suitable controls and ensuring those controls remain effective.

PCBUs must also provide workers with appropriate information, training and equipment and undertake monitoring where required.

Workers should follow workplace procedures and use the control measures provided.

This includes correctly using dust extraction, water suppression and RPE, attending required training, reporting problems and not proceeding with work where required controls are unavailable or ineffective.