The workplace exposure standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica (silica dust) has recently halved. If you work with materials like engineered stone, concrete or tiles, use the new silica checklist to see if you need to implement additional control measures in your workplace so that the WES is not exceeded.
Safe Work Australia has published information, including a checklist, to help persons conducting a business or undertaking (for example, an employer or small business owner) to understand the changes to the WES for silica dust, and to assess and effectively manage the risks of silica dust in their workplace.
The WES for silica dust has halved from an eight-hour time weighted average of 0.1 mg/m3 to 0.05 mg/m3. The reduced silica dust WES was implemented in most jurisdictions from 1 July 2020.
Learn more about the changes to the WES for silica dust and use the workplace checklist to manage changes to the WES for silica dust at your workplace.
The national guide Working with silica and silica containing products explains what you must do to keep your workers safe from the risks of silica dust. This guide has been translated into six languages for those who speak a language other than English.
