Fact Sheet: Silica Dust

So what is Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)?

Silica is a naturally occurring substance found in materials such as stone, granite, quartz, concrete, and slate - but it can also be found in engineered stone. It is estimated that over 600,000 Australians are exposed to Silica dust each year, and the consequences are fatal.

So what happens when silica dust enters your lungs?

Silica particles are tiny, but sharp. When they become airborne, they can enter your airway and lodge themselves deep into your lungs - and this is where the damage happens. The damage causes scarring and this makes it difficult to breathe. More and more irreversible scarring builds up in your lungs, and you are diagnosed with Silicosis - now it is just a matter of time before your lungs stop functioning altogether.

Engineered stone is now banned in Australia.

Silicosis has become such a concern in Australia, that federal, state, and territory WHS ministers introduced a ban on engineered stone in 2024. This was a world-leading move, and it demonstrates just how serious the authorities are.

What are your responsibilities?

If you are running a site which has a risk of exposure to Silica, you have three key responsibilities:

1. Conduct a suitable risk assessment & implement effective control measures (Eg. LEV & RPE).
2. Ensure your workforce understand the dangers of Silica dust and are trained on how to protect themselves.
3. Regularly review control measures & implement Occupational Health assessments.

If Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulators visit your site, you need to demonstrate that you are following all of these steps.

Not sure if you are doing things right? RVT can help.

First, contact RVT Group for a free Silica Dust consultation. Whether you are working in construction, infrastructure, mining or in industrial facilities, we can review your activities and recommend the best control measures to protect your team from RCS exposure.

Second, download our Silica Fact sheet and hand this out to your team members. Talk through the information and ensure they understand how important this subject is. Ensure your team know what control measures have been specified and that they have been trained on how to use them.

Finally, keep in contact with our consultants. We are happy to review the control measures you have on site to ensure they are still operating effectively. As work progresses or activities change, you might find that adjustments need to be made to ensure everyone remains safe.