Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) refers to tiny particles of crystalline silica that are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. Commonly found in materials like quartz, RCS is generated during activities such as cutting, grinding, or drilling stone, concrete, and other silica-containing materials. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious health issues, including silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) .

Monitoring silica dust levels is crucial to ensure that workers are not exposed to concentrations exceeding the workplace exposure standard (WES) of 0.05 mg/m³ over an 8-hour time-weighted average. Regular monitoring helps in assessing the effectiveness of control measures and in making informed decisions to protect worker health .

In Australia, the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for ensuring that air monitoring is carried out when there is a risk of exceeding the WES for RCS. Monitoring should be conducted by a competent person, such as a certified occupational hygienist, to ensure accurate assessment and compliance .

Inhaling RCS can lead to several serious health conditions, including:

• Silicosis: An incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, leading to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue

• Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer .

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult .

• Kidney Disease: Some studies have linked silica exposure to kidney disease .

Industries with high risk of silica exposure include:

• Construction: Activities like cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete and stone

• Mining and Quarrying: Extraction and processing of silica-containing materials .

• Manufacturing: Production of glass, ceramics, and other silica-based products .

• Tunneling: Excavation activities that disturb silica-containing rock

Effective control measures include:

• Engineering Controls: Using water suppression systems, local exhaust ventilation, and enclosed systems to reduce dust generation

• Administrative Controls: Implementing safe work practices, training, and scheduling to minimize exposure

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing appropriate respiratory protection when other controls are insufficient .

Air monitoring should be conducted:

• Initially: To assess baseline exposure levels

• Periodically: At regular intervals to ensure ongoing compliance

• When Changes Occur: If there are changes in processes, materials, or control measures that could affect exposure levels

Health monitoring includes:

• Medical History Review: Assessing past exposure and health conditions

• Physical Examination: Conducted by a registered medical practitioner

• Lung Function Tests: Such as spirometry to assess respiratory health .

• Chest Imaging: X-rays or high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans to detect lung abnormalities .

Yes, Australia has specific regulations under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws that require PCBUs to manage risks associated with RCS. This includes ensuring exposure does not exceed the WES, implementing control measures, and providing health monitoring for workers .

If a worker exhibits symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue, they should:

• Seek Medical Attention: Consult a healthcare provider experienced in occupational health .

• Report Symptoms: Inform the PCBU to initiate appropriate workplace investigations and controls

• Undergo Health Monitoring: Participate in recommended health assessments to determine the extent of any illness .