HIA Industry Update - December 2018
Recently there have been reports of new cases of Australian workers developing silicosis– a serious, irreversible lung disease. The disease is caused by prolonged exposure to respirable dust that contains crystalline silica. The disease causes loss of lung function, leading to shortness of breath and other serious consequences, such greater predisposition to heart disease and lung infections.
Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust also poses an increased risk of lungcancer.
Which materials contain crystalline silica?
Crystalline silica is commonly present as quartz in rocks, sand and soil, so products containing any of these materials are likely to contain crystalline silica. Artificial stone (also referred to as engineered or reconstituted stone) appears to contain a higher proportion of crystalline silica – typically over 90% - than other construction materials
To find out if a material contains crystalline silica check the product label and Safety Data Sheet (if available) or ask the manufacturer of the product.
How can workers be exposed to crystalline silica?
Occupational exposures can occur where dust is generated and inhaled from materials such as sand, concrete, bricks, tiles, sandstone and other stone. However, the recent spike in the disease is reported to have occurred in some of the workers involved in stone benchtop manufacture, where dry cutting, grinding or polishing of artificial stone-based products can generate high levels of the dust.
How can workers be protected?
If you or your workers work with products that contain crystalline silica it is vital to seek and take note of the safety recommendations of the manufacturer of the product. It is extremely important to be aware of the potential for exposure to airborne dust and what to do to ensure workers are adequately protected.
Exposure to hazardous levels of dust can be reduced considerably by avoiding dry processes that generate airborne dust. Water suppression systems or ‘wet methods’ should be used to reduce airborne dust where possible. If wet methods are not practicable, use equipment with integral dust collection and/or use local exhaust ventilation. Never dry sweep or use compressed air - use a HEPA vacuum and/or wet wiping to collect surface dust.
Respiratory protection can be used to reduce inhalation of the dust if the above methods are not practicable, but it is not as effective as methods that prevent the
Check out the range of safety equipment available from NHS here.
Further information
Most workplace health and safety authorities have released guidance and recommendations to ensure that workers are not exposed to dust levels exceeding the occupational exposure standard of 0.1 mg/m3.
To find out more in
For further clarification and information HIA members can contact HIA’s Building Services team on 1300 650 620 or hia_technical@hia.com.au
Craig Jennion
HIA Executive Director – Hunter