Respirable crystalline silica

Harmful effects of silica

Silica or silicon dioxide (SiO2) is a very common mineral including sandstone, concrete, brick grout, mortar and natural and engineered stone. Silica is also known as quartz, tripoli and cristobalite.

Crystalline silica is harmful when respirable-sized dust of less than 10 microns is breathed deep into the lungs, as this can cause lung scarring known as silicosis. The lungs become less flexible, making it difficult to breathe and do hard work. The fibrosis of the lungs and the associated inflammation may lead to other lung illness including lung cancer.

There is evidence that fresh cut silica particles, with active surfaces, may be more harmful than aged surface modified (less active) particles.

Silicosis can kill, but exposure to silica dust is preventable. You can help protect yourself and others by watching and sharing this video prepared by SafeWork NSW.

Particles are most often generated in workplaces where materials are cut, sanded, grinded or drilled, creating fine dust.

PCBU duties

Effective 1 September 2024, Work Health and Safety ministers agreed to stronger regulation of processing of materials containing crystalline silica substances across all industries, particularly in relation to processing that is assessed as high risk.

Key requirements for a PCBU undertaking a high-risk crystalline silica process are:

control the processing of crystalline silica substances
identify processing of CSS that are high risk and develop a silica risk control plan based on the outcomes of a risk assessment
provide instruction, information and training to workers about the health risks associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica, the need for appropriate controls and the application of controls
undertake air monitoring and provide results to SafeWork SA where they indicate the airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the workplace exceeds the workplace exposure standards (WES) notify the regulator here(external site)(external site)(external site), and
provide health monitoring for workers.

SafeWork Australia have published a model COP on ‘managing the risks of crystalline silica’modelcop_managing-risks-respirable-crystalline-silica_aug2025.pdf

Exposure levels

The workplace exposure standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica is 0.05mg/m³ for an 8-hour time weighted average. Safe Work Australia publishes the Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (external site) that contains the revised value for respirable crystalline silica.

Studies show that people who have RCS exposure greater than 0.065mg/m3 over their working life have an increased risk of lung cancer. At a lifetime average exposure of 0.06mg/m3, the risk of silicosis is estimated at 7%.

What is a crystalline silica substance?

The Work Health and Safety Regulations define a crystalline silica substance (CSS) as a material containing at least 1% crystalline silica (by weight).

Examples of a CSS include, but are not limited to:

natural stone products such as marble or granite benchtops
engineered stone
sintered stone
porcelain and ceramic products
sandstone
asphalt
cement products containing fly ash, mortar and grout
bricks, blocks, pavers, tiles and mortar
concrete and cement-based products, such as fibre-cement sheeting and autoclaved-aerated concrete
most rocks, sands and clays, and
composite dental fillings.

PCBUs may confirm crystalline silica content in a product or substance by referring to the relevant safety data sheet. When safety data sheets are not available, other information sources including product information or technical data sheets may be consulted.

What is considered processing of a crystalline silica substance?

Processing of a crystalline silica substance (CSS) may involve:

the use of power tools or mechanical plant to carry out an activity involving the crushing, cutting, grinding, trimming, sanding, abrasive polishing or drilling of a CSS, or
the use of roadheaders to excavate material that is a CSS, or
the quarrying of a material that is a CSS, or
mechanical screening involving material that is a CSS, or
tunnelling through a material that is a CSS, or
a process that exposes, or is reasonably likely to expose, a person to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) during manufacture or handling of a CSS (for example cleaning and maintenance processes such as sweeping that may disturb settled RCS).

This definition is designed to capture all activity with a CSS that has the potential to generate and expose workers or others at the workplace to RCS.

How do I ensure the processing of a crystalline silica substance is controlled?

Processing of a crystalline silica substance (CSS) is controlled if:

control measures to eliminate or minimise risks arising from the processing are implemented so far as is reasonably practicable and,
at least 1 of the following measures are used during the processing:
- the isolation of a person from dust exposure
- a fully enclosed operator cabin fitted with a high efficiency air filtration system
- an effective wet dust suppression method
- an effective on-tool extraction system
- an effective local exhaust ventilation system.
a person still at risk of being exposed to RCS after 1 or more of the measures listed above are used is:
- provided with appropriate respiratory protective equipment, and
- wearing the respiratory protective equipment correctly while the work is carried out.

What respiratory protection is required when processing a crystalline silica substance?

When undertaking the processing of a crystalline silica substance (CSS), respiratory protective equipment means personal protective equipment that is designed to prevent a person wearing the equipment from inhaling airborne contaminants.

All respiratory protective equipment must comply with:

AS/NZS 1716:2012 (Respiratory protective devices), and
AS/NZS 1715:2009 (Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment)

AS/NZS 1716:2012 sets out performance requirements for different types of respiratory protective equipment. To ensure compliance with this standard, employers should buy their respiratory protective equipment from a reputable supplier and ensure that it is certified to this standard.

Under AS/NZS 1715:2009:

the respiratory protective equipment must incorporate a particulate filter (P1, P2 or P3 – dependent on the type of respiratory protective equipment selected and the level of airborne contamination present)
where tight fitting respiratory equipment is used:
- the respiratory protective equipment must be successfully fit-tested to the wearer by a competent person before use
- a further fit test should be performed at least annually or whenever there is a change in the wearer’s facial characteristics or other features which may affect the facial seal of the respiratory protective equipment, and
- there can be no facial hair where the mask seals to the face (during fit testing or when wearing respiratory protective equipment).

What is considered ‘high risk’ in relation to the processing of a crystalline silica substance?

High risk, in relation to the processing of a crystalline silica substances (CSS), is the processing of a CSS that is reasonably likely to result in a risk of health of a person at a workplace.

‘Reasonably likely’ in this context means the airborne concentration of RCS is more likely than not to exceed half the WES, when considered objectively and taking into account all relevant factors.

In assessing whether the processing of a CSS is high risk, the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must have regard to the following factors:

the specific processing to be undertaken,
the form or forms of crystalline silica present in the CSS,
the proportion of crystalline silica contained in the CSS, determined as a weight/weight (w/w) concentration,
hazards associated with the work, including the likely frequency and duration of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS),
whether the airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica present in the workplace is reasonably likely to exceed half the workplace exposure standard
any relevant air and health monitoring results previously undertaken at the workplace
any previous incidents, illnesses or diseases associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica at the workplace.

When assessing whether the processing of a CSS is high risk, a PCBU must not:

rely on control measures implemented under Work Health and Safety Regulations, or
take into account the use of personal protective equipment and administrative controls used to control the risks associated with respirable crystalline silica.

If a PCBU is unable to determine whether the processing of a CSS carried out at the workplace is high risk, then processing is taken to be high risk until the person determines that it’s not high risk.

Where previous air monitoring is available

If you have previous monitoring for the specific processing of a CSS being assessed, that indicates the airborne concentration of RCS was above half the WES, then the processing of a CSS is more likely to be high risk.

However, air monitoring data that shows the airborne concentration of RCS exceeds half the WES may not automatically result in a determination that the processing of a CSS is high risk. Other factors must be considered (see Part 2.5) and may influence the assessment, such as the frequency and duration of the processing of a CSS.

For example, processing of a CSS that generates RCS at concentrations above half the WES and is performed once per year is not likely to be high risk.

In contrast, processing of a CSS that generates RCS at concentrations above half the WES, but below the WES, and is performed every working day of the year is likely to be high risk.

What is a silica risk control plan?

A silica risk control plan is a practical tool to document the specific tasks and control measures related to each processing of a crystalline silica substance (CSS) that is high risk carried out by the PCBU. It will be informed by the assessment of the processing of a CSS that determined the processing is high risk.

If a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has assessed the processing of a CSS, or a combination of processing of a CSS, as being high risk, a silica risk control plan must be developed covering those processing tasks.

A silica risk control plan must:

identify all the processing of a CSS carried out at the workplace that is high risk
include what was considered high risk in relation to the processing of a CSS
document what control measures will be used to control the risk associated with the processing that is high risk
how the selected control measures will be implemented, monitored and reviewed
be set out and expressed in a way that is readily accessible and understandable to persons who use it.

Once a silica risk control plan is in place, the PCBU must put in place arrangements for ensuring that the processing of a CSS that is high risk are carried out in accordance with the plan.

A PCBU must also make sure this plan is available to all workers generally and provided to all workers before they commence the processing of a CSS.

If the processing of CSS that is high risk is not carried out in accordance with the plan, the person must ensure that the processing is stopped immediately or as soon as it is safe to do so and resumed only in accordance with the plan.

A silica risk control plan must be reviewed and revised to maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a safe work environment. Review and revision of the control measures specified in the plan is required to minimise exposure to RCS whenever:

they may no longer be effective
they are impacted by a change at the workplace or
where a new hazard or risk is identified.

The silica risk control plan must be developed in consultation with workers involved in carrying out processing of a CSS that is high risk and if any, their elected health and safety representatives (HSR). It must also be set out and expressed in a way that is readily accessible and understandable by the persons who use it.

Penalties apply for failing to have a silica risk control plan in place, where required, for failing to carry out the processing of a CSS in accordance with the silica risk control plan and for failing to review and revise relevant control measures.

Is there a silica risk control plan template available?

Safe Work Australia has published a template silica risk control plan in their National guidance material - Working with crystalline silica substances at Appendix G .

Can a Safe Work Method Statement (SMWS) for High Risk Construction Work be a silica risk control plan?

A silica risk control plan is not required to be prepared before the processing of a CSS that is high risk if:

the processing that is high risk is also high risk construction work
a SWMS has been prepared before the processing commences
the SWMS satisfies the requirements of a silica risk control plan.

What monitoring is required?

For each processing of a crystalline silica substance (CSS) that is high risk at the workplace, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must:

undertake personal air monitoring (using a device worn in a worker’s breathing zone) for respirable crystalline silica in accordance with regulation 50

provide health monitoring in accordance with Schedule 14 of the WHS Regulations (inclusive of chest X-ray, and respiratory function test) for all workers carrying out the processing of a CSS that is high risk. PCBUs must pay for the expenses related to health monitoring. Find further information on our health monitoring page.

Air Monitoring

Air monitoring must be undertaken when the PCBU is not certain on reasonable grounds if the airborne concentration of RCS exceeds the WES or monitoring is necessary to determine whether there is a risk to health.

In determining whether the processing of a CSS is high risk, a PCBU must have regard to any relevant air monitoring results previously undertaken at the workplace. That is, you should ensure the data is relevant to the task, controls and conditions in your workplace. If it is not, then the data may not give an accurate indication of your workers’ likely exposure to RCS.

Examples of when previous air monitoring results may not be relevant include:

the CSS has changed (new formulation of the substance)
the processing of a CSS has changed
the workplace has changed (e.g. a new location that is enclosed or has different dimensions)
additional processing of one or more CSS is now undertaken in close proximity, or additional controls have been implemented.

In considering previous air monitoring results, you should determine if they indicate a risk to the health of workers because of the processing of a CSS at your workplace.

If previous air monitoring results conducted at the workplace are not available, personal air monitoring data (or exposure data) obtained from other sources can be used to assess the likely airborne concentration of RCS. This may include exposure data obtained from:

the manufacturer of the control or tool used
an industry association
an occupational hygienist to conduct personal air monitoring at the workplace
- Note: Best practice is to use a Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH), however, a person with relevant qualifications and experience in occupational hygiene, or a person under the supervision of a COH is acceptable.

The PCBU should ensure that the data used from previous air monitoring, or air monitoring from other sources is relevant to the task/s performed, controls and conditions of the workplace. If not, the data may not give an accurate indication of the airborne concentration of RCS and whether the processing of a CSS is high risk.

Previous air monitoring should take into consideration:

the frequency and duration of tasks performed
the materials and processes used
work procedures
source of exposure
work environment.

Notifying RCS WES exceedances to the Regulator

PCBU’s are required to notify SafeWork SA of exceedances of Workplace Exposure Standards(external site)(external site) for respirable crystalline silica and provide copies of the results/reports to us as soon as reasonably practicable and no more than 14 days from the date the result was reported to the PCBU.

What penalties apply?

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) that fails to follow the new Work Health and Safety laws will face fines up to $42,000.

Individual workers or managers that fail to follow the new laws could face fines of up to $8,400.

Crystalline Silica Training

South Australia has adopted the model work health and safety regulations which provide a duty for Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to train workers about the risks of crystalline silica.

From 1 September 2024 you must provide crystalline silica training to workers if:

they are involved in processing of a crystalline silica substance (CSS) that is high risk
they are at risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) because of the processing of crystalline silica substance that is high risk.

If your workers are not undertaking high risk processing, you must still provide appropriate information, instruction, training or supervision to anyone who may be exposed to RCS at the workplace.

Crystalline silica training means training that is accredited, or Regulator approved training.

Accredited training

The following courses are recognised as accredited training in South Australia:

Training can be undertaken face to face or online.

Regulator Approved Training

SafeWork SA is now accepting applications from specific parties to have their training considered as Regulator approved training under Regulation 529CD(4) of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012.

The training must meet the course criteria, which can be found here.

The training must be delivered by a competent person and must be at least three hours in duration.

Applications will be considered from the following eligible groups:

an employer or employee organisation that is registered, or taken to be registered, under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 of the Commonwealth
an association of employers, employees or independent contractors, or both that is registered or recognised as such an association (however described) under a State or Territory industrial law
a registered training organisation
a certifying body representing work health and safety professionals
an organisation whose workforce is undertaking work with silica as part of their primary activities.

To support your application, you must attach a copy of your course content and a training plan with times for the training included.

You can use this form(external site)(external site)(external site) to lodge applications for your training to be assessed in accordance with the Course Criteria.

If your course is approved by the Regulator the details of your organisation will be published.

Current Regulator Approved Training Courses

Housing Industry Association – Silica Awareness Training - HIA South Australia Region
Master Builders Association of SA Inc - Crystalline Silica Safety & Compliance Training - Training | Master Builders SA
Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee - Crystalline Silica Substances Training - Education & Training | MAQOHSC
Health Safety Environment Australia - Training - Health Safety Environment Australia.

Any worker who can provide evidence of having successfully completed one of these courses prior to 1 September 2024 does not have to complete the training again.

Training records

You are required to keep a record of the training provided to workers, while they are carrying out the high-risk processing and for five years after the day they stop working for your business. This record of training can be documented in your silica risk control plan.

Records of completed training include:

Registered Training Organisation Statement of Attainment that includes either: 10830NAT, CPCSIL3001 or CPCSIL4001.
Certificate of completion of Regulator Approved Training

Free advisory service

For tips and advice on work health and safety, we offer a free advisory service. One of our experienced WHS advisors can visit your workplace to help identify hazards and risks, as well as offer practical safety solutions that suit your specific circumstances.

Find out more or call our Help Centre on 1300 365 255 to request a visit.