Toolbox Talk #5 – Crystalline Silica & Silicosis


Silica is silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring and widely abundant mineral that forms the major component of most rocks and soils. Natural stone contains 67% & manufactured stone greater than 90%, granite 25-40% “Some dust particles can be so small that they are not visible; these are commonly referred to as respirable particles. Respirable silica dust particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and can cause irreversible lung damage.”

When a worker is at risk of exposure to silica, you must implement the following control measures.

* Substitution such as sourcing composite stone benchtops with a lower percentage of silica

* Isolation of the hazard – using principles of safe work design to designate areas for tasks that generate dust and appropriate worker positioning during these tasks, using enclosures and automation to conduct dust generating tasks

* Engineering controls that minimise the risk of exposure to generated dust, for example, local exhaust ventilation, water suppression (wet cutting) or using tools with dust collection attachments

* Administrative controls, should a risk still remain; including good housekeeping policies, shift rotations and modifying cutting sequences

* Personal protective equipment, should a risk still remain; including appropriate respiratory equipment (generally a minimum of a P2 efficiency half face respirator) and work clothing that does not collect dust

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