Managing Silica Dust Exposure: Code Of Practice, SWMS, And Online Training

On 1 May 2023, the Code of Practice – Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements – came into effect in relation to the management of the risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in construction work, and the manufacturing of construction elements. Is your business compliant?

All Queensland based employers have a legal obligation to comply with approved government ‘Codes of Practice’ that are applicable to their operations. Codes of Practice are government-issued practical guides as to how a business (PCBU) is to manage their WHS obligations. 

Click here for a full copy of the code.

What is RCS?

Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in many building materials, such as:

• bricks, blocks, pavers, tiles, and mortar
• concrete and cement, including products such as fibre-cement sheeting and autoclaved-aerated concrete
• most rocks, sands, and clays.

Tasks such as cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, polishing, scabbling or crushing materials that contain crystalline silica can generate RCS.

RCS particles are so small they cannot be seen under ordinary lighting and stay airborne long after larger particles have settled to the ground. The small particle size means it is easily inhaled deep into the lungs (<10 µm).

Where does the Code apply?

The Code applies to all construction work and manufacturing of construction elements, and workplaces covered by the WHS Act where this work is undertaken.

The Code concerns construction work and the manufacturing of construction elements when it involves both:

• the use of materials that contain 1 per cent or more crystalline silica
• tasks that generate dust containing RCS, or more RCS airborne.

The Code applies to plumbing work that contains either of the above.

How do I comply?

If your plumbing work involves the use of materials that contain 1 per cent or more crystalline silica or tasks that generate dust containing RCS, or more RCS airborne, then your business  must adopt a risk management process, including eliminating exposure to RCS, so far as is reasonably practicable, or if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate exposure to RCS, by minimising it so far as is reasonably practicable.

To meet their health and safety obligations, PCBUs need to:

1. Identify RCS hazards - see Sections 4 and 5 of the Code.
2. Choose the right controls - see Section 6 of the Code.
3. Monitor and review the controls - see Sections 9 and 11 of the Code.

The Code outlines two methods for choosing the right controls:

• Method 1: Using the controls table.
• Method 2: Using exposure data to choose dust controls that work.

Section 2 of the Code provides flowcharts to help PCBUs work through the two methods and explains how they link to the duties related to air monitoring and health monitoring.

Will I be able to use MPAQ Safety to manage compliance?

Yes. The MPAQ SWMS builder tool is currently being adjusted such that members have a readymade risk management process that allows you to identify the RCS hazards and automatically populate the controls straight from the Code of Practice. This means that if a SWMS is prepared for each job that may involve management of RCS, and a SWMS is prepared using the MPAQ tool, you will create a compliant document which will govern your safe work on site. 

The amended SWMS tool will be adjusted to account for the new Code of Practice, and ready to use within the month. 

Is there training to help us?

MPAQ offers Workplace Health and Safety core skills courses that relate to skills and knowledge for the safe execution of tasks in an office or construction environment. Silica Dust Awareness is part of this course. It also includes fire safety, manual handling, office ergonomics, risk management, working in hot and cold environments, and asbestos awareness. These courses are online and self-paced.

For enrolment, fees, and subsidies, click here.

For more information on the new code of practice, members can call through the MPAQ Safety Advisory support line on (07) 4440 5233.