Silica Management

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Silica Management HYer Standard

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this procedure is to outline the requirements for implementing and monitoring controls to manage Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) exposure in the workplace. Respirable Crystalline Silica is a natural mineral found in construction materials such as concrete, bricks, tiles, mortar, and engineered stone.

This procedure applies to all HY projects.

The amount of crystalline silica in products can vary. Examples include:

  • Engineered stone: up to 95%
  • Sandstone: 70% to 90%
  • Granite: 25% to 60%
  • Ceramic tiles: 5% to 45%
  • Autoclaved aerated concrete: 20% to 40%
  • Concrete: less than 30%
  • Brick: 5% to 15%
  • Marble: less than 5%

The workplace exposure standard for RCS that must not be exceeded is 0.05mg/m3 over an 8 hr TWA (Time Weighted Average)

This procedure applies when identifying and planning tasks that increase risk to RCS exposure such as cutting, grinding, drilling, and polishing materials or any other activity involving material containing crystalline silica that generates RCS.

Responsibilities

HY PROJECT TEAM

  • Ensure subcontractors performing work where RCS hazards pose a risk have documented health monitoring programs in place. This applies to workers who regularly exceed the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) in their daily works.
  • Ensure that exposure monitoring is undertaken when suspected WES limits could be exceeded.
  • Ensure risks of exposure to RCS are included in the project risk assessment, WHS Plan, or if required a Silica Control Plan is in place for significant works involving RCS.

SUBCONTRACTORS

  • Ensure workers are trained and aware of the risks associated with RCS.
  • Provide Safety Data Sheets or Technical Data Sheets to determine silica content of products being used.
  • Ensure that SWMS are provided for any work that involves, or is likely to involve, exposure to or generation of RCS. (in VIC, a Crystalline Silica Hazard Control Statement (CSHCS) is required and may be included in the SWMS)
  • Apply the hierarchy of controls so far as reasonably practicable. E.g., replace engineered stone bench tops with an alternative product.
  • Ensure wet cutting of products containing RCS where practicable
  • Ensure residual silica dust and wet slurry is cleaned up immediately after tasks are completed and waste disposed appropriately.

Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC)

All risks associated with the presences of RCS in the workplace must be included within the project risk register, this includes risks associated with:

  • Cutting
  • Grinding
  • Drilling, and
  • Polishing of construction materials

When conducting the project risk assessment consideration must be given to whether there is a risk to health from silica. Consider whether the risk of exposure is:

  • Likely to exceed the WES.
  • Can be controlled by use of on-tool extraction or water suppression devices.
  • Likely to create a risk for other workers or stakeholders.
  • Likely to require a combination of engineering and PPE/RPE controls.

DESIGN

Considerations to minimise the risk of silica dust production should be made during the design stage of a project. For example, ensuring ferrules are installed in precast elements where it is known the panels will need to be drilled. Wherever possible, products containing less silica are to be used in place of products which contain higher levels of silica.

Hansen Yuncken may request a design risk assessment from design consultants specifically addressing silica risks, if necessary.

PROJECT SPECIFIC SITE INDUCTION

The risks associated with RCS exposure are extensive. Controls for work involving RCS are to be captured within the project specific site induction, to ensure workers are aware of the exposure standards and how to minimise the risk.

HEALTH SURVEILLANCE AND EXPOSURE MONITORING

If atmospheric testing is required, the following must occur:

  • Testing is planned and conducted by a qualified occupational hygienist.
  • Samples are analysed at a NATA accredited laboratory.
  • Results are interpreted and recommendations made by an occupational hygienist.
  • Health monitoring requirements are to be discussed at pre-award meetings.
  • All health monitoring must be performed by a registered medical practitioner.

Vacuum Extraction and Water Suppression

Vacuum extraction and water suppression controls must be fit for purpose. Vacuum extraction or water suppression devices must be fitted to tools or equipment where tasks being undertaken may generate silica dust. These devices are mandatory on all HY Projects for:

  • Cutting
  • Grinding
  • Drilling, and
  • Polishing of any products/materials containing silica.

Types of available devices include:

  • Type M or H Vacuum attachments to tools
  • Water attachments to brick saws
  • Spray cannons
  • Mist Attachments
  • Shrouds

Water suppression must be used during:

  • Demolition of structures containing RCS.
  • Ground works activities generating dust.
  • Sweeping or cleaning dusty areas.
  • Tunnelling works where workers are exposed to RCS.

Where on-tool extraction/water suppression devices are fitted, they must comply with and be maintained per the manufacturer’s specifications.

Electrical hazards must be considered when using water suppression.

Dry cutting is not allowed under any circumstances.

In some circumstances a combination of the above controls and RPE may be required.

Ventilation

Natural ventilation can be considered when working outdoors given it does not expose others to risks, however is not effective for controlling RCS on its own in an indoor setting.

Suitable ventilation is to be used in indoor settings when required. Fans, large extraction systems, or Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems can be used to ensure that clean air is circulated indoors, and contaminated air is extracted from the work area.

When extracting contaminated air ensure it doesn’t increase health hazards to workers external to the contaminated work area.

Fans are only to be implemented once slurry has been cleaned up as they may dry out the slurry which increases the risk of airborne contaminants.

Using these controls to improve the general ventilation to a room or work area may reduce the amount of RCS in the air near workers but cannot be relied upon to remove the risk. Other controls must be used to manage the risk of RCS exposure, if a risk remains.

Addition controls including air replacement should be considered when undertaking tunnelling operations.

PPE and RPE

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is the last resort and should not be solely relied on to control risks. PPE/RPE must only be used if all other reasonably practicable control measures have been put in place and a risk remains, or when combined with other controls higher in the hierarchy of control.

When choosing suitable PPE for the task the following is to be considered:

  • Does it provide the required level of protection against Silica Dust?
  • Is it suitable for the individual worker (size, build, facial hair etc)?

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Respirators are used to minimise the risk to health and safety, when selecting RPE the following should be considered:

  • Workers with pre-existing medical conditions may be restricted from wearing certain types of RPE.
  • The face shape and size of the worker will influence the size and model of respirator. The respirator must be a suitable fit and comfortable for the worker.
  • Facial hair may present issue and prevent a tight-fitting respirator. Respirators must either fit around any facial hair or the worker is required to be clean shaven.
  • Is the type of respirator suitable regarding the nature of the work and any hazards associated with the work.
  • The maintenance, repair, and replacement schedule of respirators to minimise the risk to the workers using the respirator. Filters to be changed as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Ensuring the equipment is clean, hygienic, and in good working order

Fit Testing and Training

Fit Testing is required on all workers using respirators. It is essential to ensure it fits the face correctly and creates and effective seal.

Two types of fit testing can be undertaken to ensure the RPE is effective:

Qualitative

  • a pass/fail test that relies on the wearer’s ability to taste or smell a test agent, and
  • only used on half face respirators.

Quantitative

  • uses specialised equipment to measure how much air leaks into the respirator, and
  • used on half face respirators, full face respirators and Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

All fit testing should be carried out by a competent person (i.e., manufacturer, supplier, or consultant) and be performed:

  • Before a worker wears a tight-fitting respirator for the first time
  • Each time a new make or model of respirator is provided to a worker.
  • Whenever there is a change in the wearer’s facial characteristics or features that may affect the seal. For example, facial structure, weight loss or gain, or facial hair
  • At least annually

Workers wearing PPE and RPE must be trained in how to properly use, wear, and maintain their equipment.

Decontamination and Waste Containment

Some process that can be used to minimise dust include:

  • Using industrial H or M Class vacuum cleaners to remove dust from clothing and work areas.
    • If silica dust has settled on clothing, it should be vacuumed off prior to vacuuming the work area (If on tool extraction is used correctly, clothes should not gather dust)
  • Using a low-pressure hose, water mister, or wet sweeping to remove contaminants.
  • Once dust has been collected it must be bagged and disposed of in waste bins provided.

Dry sweeping is not permitted on HY sites. When working with silica containing materials, ensure all work areas are cleaned once the task is completed.

Engineered Stone Licenses (VIC Only)

Employers must hold an engineered stone licence if an engineered stone process is undertaken at the workplace for which they are responsible.

Workers should not carry out an engineered stone process at a workplace unless they possess an engineered stone license for that specific workplace or are an employee of the holder of the engineered stone license for that workplace.

Engineered stone licence holders (and their employees) may undertake engineered stone processes at the building site if that work is:

  • necessary for performing installation work at the building site and
  • that work cannot be undertaken off site.

Before commencing any engineered stone work, consultation must take place with HY Management and the designated HSR (Health and Safety Representative) for the project.

Definitions and Abbreviations

H Class – High Hazard Vacuum Filter Classification

HSR – Health and Safety Representative

LEV – Local Exhaust Ventilation

M Class – Medium Hazard Vacuum Filter Classification

PAPR – Powered Air Purifying Respirators

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

RCS – Respirable Crystalline Silica

RPE – Respiratory Protective Equipment

TWA – Time Weighted Average

WES – Workplace Exposure Limit

References

Associated Documents

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