Stronger crystalline silica processing rules now in effect
01 Sept 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: WorkSafe QLD
Stronger rules for processing crystalline silica substances took effect on 1 September 2024, requiring businesses across all industries to control processing and assess whether it is high risk.
The regulations follow a national agreement reached in February 2023. They define a crystalline silica substance (CSS) as a material with a crystalline silica content of at least one per cent by weight.
Before starting to process CSS, businesses must assess whether the work will be high risk.
Processing assessed as high risk requires additional control measures and a risk control plan to reduce health risks for workers and people around them.
Businesses must also consider whether existing WHS Regulation requirements call for air monitoring, health monitoring or both.
How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your broader WHS practices and identify areas that may need closer attention. Take the free WHS self-check