Our Testing Process

Workers in orange safety vests gathered around a table, engaged in a discussion or planning session at a construction site or industrial workspace.
Construction workers in orange safety vests and protective gear drilling into the ground at a construction site.

1.Initial Consultation

The initial consultation involves a site-specific consultation to understand type of work being conducted, work practices, material and potential silica exposure risks. This will help in determining the best plan of action to survey the exposure of silica to workers on-site and within work areas that have been flagged as ‘high risk’.

Two male construction workers in orange uniforms and white safety helmets reading documents, inside a tunnel with bright lights overhead.
Two workers in orange safety jackets and protective gear are shaping a large stone slab in a workshop.

2. Site Assessment

Our team visits your site to assess:

-Dust-generating activities (e.g. cutting, drilling, grinding)

-Existing dust control measures and ventilation

-Worker exposure zones and areas deemed as high risk

A man wearing a white hard hat, orange safety vest with gray reflective stripes, green shirt, and work pants stands outdoors in front of a white container building. There is a green arrow and text pointing to a device on his chest labeled 'Silica Air Dust Monitor.' A wooden table with chairs and various items are visible to the left.
Group of construction workers in orange safety jackets and helmets standing outdoors on rocky terrain, with buildings and trees in the background.

3. Air Monitoring Setup

Our occupational hygienists will come out to site and carry out a typical site survey: 

-Deploy wearable personal air sampling pumps on workers to capture their exposure over a typical work shift, or 

-Setup sampling pumps in and around high-risk areas.

The purpose of the site survey is to accurately capture the respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure of all  ‘separate exposure groups’ (SEGs) on-site over a ‘typical shift’. This includes workers at risk, supervisors and admin staff to ensure everyone on-site is safe from the potential for silicosis.

Scientist working in a laboratory with three computer monitors in front of him, scientific equipment and machinery in the background.
A scientist working at a laboratory workstation with multiple computer monitors, laboratory glassware, and equipment in the background.

4. Laboratory Analysis

Collected samples are sent to a NATA-accredited lab. The samples are analysed in accordance with Safework Australia and NATA analysis standards. Using methods like X-ray diffraction (XRD), results are benchmarked against the Australian exposure limit of 0.05 mg/m³ /8hrs.

Two miners wearing orange safety gear and helmets are working together in a mine tunnel, reviewing a document.
Two male construction workers in safety helmets and masks review plans inside a tunnel under construction.

5. Detailed Reporting

Receive a clear and concise report suitable for the safety officer or submission to safework if required:

-Measured RCS concentration on each sample 

-Time weighted exposure limits for each worker 

-Exposure criteria 

-Interpretation of results by a qualified Occupational Hygienist, compare measured data against exposure limits. 

-Provide RMPF required minimum protection for masks and respirators 

-Provide advice on physical controls such as isolation, water suppression and ventilation

-Recommend actions moving forward to ensure a safe working environment for everyone on-site.

Two workers in orange protective suits, helmets, and masks walking through an underground tunnel.
Construction workers in orange uniforms and helmets working on a city street, with construction equipment and tall buildings in the background.

6. Ongoing Monitoring

For sites with ongoing exposure, we offer periodic re-testing and monitoring programs to keep you compliant and your workers safe.

Contact Us

Let's talk about your Project - submit your details and we'll be right in touch!

Phone- Rapid Response

+61 436 691 480

Email

info@silicasafesydney.com.au
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