Product Overview

Summary: This Silica Dust Control Measures Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for identifying, controlling and monitoring respirable crystalline silica risks across Australian workplaces. It helps businesses move beyond ad‑hoc controls to a consistent, defensible system that protects workers’ health and demonstrates compliance with WHS laws and current silica regulations.

Respirable crystalline silica exposure is one of the most significant long‑latency health risks in Australian construction, manufacturing, mining and engineered stone industries. Uncontrolled cutting, grinding, drilling, polishing or crushing of materials containing silica can generate fine dust that, when inhaled, may cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other serious illnesses. Regulators across Australia are tightening controls, introducing engineered stone bans and taking strong enforcement action where silica risks are not effectively managed.

This Silica Dust Control Measures Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, end‑to‑end approach for managing silica risks on site and in workshops. It guides you through identifying silica‑generating tasks, selecting appropriate engineering and administrative controls, specifying suitable respiratory protective equipment, and implementing effective housekeeping, air monitoring and health surveillance arrangements. The SOP turns complex regulatory requirements and technical guidance into clear, step‑by‑step instructions that frontline supervisors and workers can actually follow.

By adopting this SOP, businesses can replace inconsistent practices with a standardised control strategy aligned to the hierarchy of control. It supports due diligence obligations by documenting how silica hazards are assessed, what controls are in place, how they are maintained, and how effectiveness is reviewed. The result is a safer workplace, reduced long‑term health risk for workers, and stronger evidence of WHS compliance in the event of audits, regulator inspections or workers’ compensation claims.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, legally defensible control of silica dust across all relevant tasks and sites.
• Reduce worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica and the risk of silicosis and other occupational lung diseases.
• Standardise the selection, use and maintenance of engineering controls, dust extraction and respiratory protective equipment.
• Streamline supervisor decision‑making with clear, task‑based guidance on required controls and verification checks.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and silica‑related Codes of Practice during audits and regulator inspections.

Who is this for?

• Company Directors and PCBUs
• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Advisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
• Workshop Managers
• Stonemasonry and Engineered Stone Business Owners
• Civil and Demolition Contractors
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• HSEQ Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust during cutting, grinding, drilling, polishing or crushing of materials
• Silicosis and other occupational lung diseases arising from chronic silica exposure
• Acute over‑exposure to high concentrations of fine dust in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
• Secondary dust exposure during housekeeping, clean‑up, waste handling and maintenance activities
• Cross‑contamination of clean areas, amenities, vehicles and clothing with silica‑containing dust
• Inadequate or incorrect use of respiratory protective equipment leading to uncontrolled exposure
• Manual handling and ergonomic risks associated with dust control equipment (e.g. vacuums, water suppression units)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (including respirable crystalline silica and key terminology)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Identification of Silica‑Containing Materials and Tasks
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Exposure Evaluation
• 6.0 Hierarchy of Control and Selection of Control Measures
• 7.0 Engineering Controls (wet methods, on‑tool extraction, local exhaust ventilation, isolation)
• 8.0 Administrative Controls (work methods, scheduling, exclusion zones, signage and training)
• 9.0 Personal Protective Equipment (RPE selection, fit testing, use and maintenance)
• 10.0 Housekeeping, Decontamination and Waste Management Procedures
• 11.0 Air Monitoring, Health Surveillance and Record Keeping
• 12.0 Pre‑Start Checks and Task‑Based Safe Work Steps
• 13.0 Emergency Response for Suspected Over‑Exposure or Acute Health Events
• 14.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Testing of Dust Control Equipment
• 15.0 Consultation, Communication and Worker Training Requirements
• 16.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Silica Controls

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdictions)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace – Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Silica at Work (general guidance and model Code of Practice, where adopted)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS 1668.2: The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings – Mechanical ventilation in buildings (for local exhaust and ventilation design principles)
• Safe Work Australia – Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (Respirable Crystalline Silica – Crystalline Quartz)
• Relevant state/territory WHS Regulations and guidance on respirable crystalline silica and engineered stone (e.g. SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, WorkSafe Queensland)