Silica Dust/Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) Amendment Laws and Requirements for Businesses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Crystalline Silica Substances regulated under the Workplace Safety Laws?

Safe Work Australia has published amendments to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations which will strengthen protections for workers at risk of exposure to silica dust across all industries, including building and construction.

The amendments provide stronger regulation of work with all materials containing at least 1% crystalline silica and require:

•                     controlled processing of all crystalline silica substances

•                     assessing the risk of work involving processing of a crystalline silica substance, and

•                     additional duties for any processing of engineered stone that is assessed as high risk, including preparing a silica risk control plan.

What is Silica Dust or Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)?

Silica or respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a common naturally occurring mineral, also known as silicon dioxide. Silica can be found or manufactured in different forms, broadly divided into crystalline and non-crystalline (amorphous).

When natural stone or rock and other silica containing products are cut, crushed, drilled or sanded, dust is released. The very fine portion of the dust that is generated is known as respirable crystalline silica or silica dust.

Silica dust is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, so, workers can breathe it in without knowing. The tiny dust particles can remain in the air for long periods after the larger, visible dust particles settle.

Workers can breathe airborne silica dust into their lungs, and this can cause damage and disease. Silica dust can be airborne when a worker:

•                     cuts, chases or drills into concrete

•                     rips up existing concrete or bitumen roads

•                     jackhammers or saws stone or existing concrete, or

•                     excavates sites with sandstone, clay or granite.

What are the harmful effects of Silica Dust or Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) exposure?

Silica dust exposure causes inflammation and scarring and reduces the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen, this is known as Silicosis. Silicosis is an irreversible disease that causes shortness of breath, a severe cough or general weakness and in severe cases death.

What contains Silica?

Silica is found in some stones, rocks, sand, gravel and clay. Silica can also be found in: Engineered stone products, Sandstone, Granite, Ceramic tiles, Autoclaved-aerated concrete. panels, concrete bricks and pavers, Slate, Fibre-cement sheeting, Concrete, Bricks and Marble

How can I control or reduce Silica Dust exposure in my workplace?

•                     using products or materials free from silica (or containing less silica)

•                     keeping dust generating activities physically separated from other work areas

•                     changing the way dust generating tasks are carried out, for example using wet methods

•                     using dust collection methods and equipment when using drills, routers and saws

•                     fitting large machinery (excavators and bulldozers) with cabs that have an air filtering system

•                     minimising the generation of airborne dust through planning cut sequences

•                     collecting dust as it is generated using: an industrial H-class vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter for engineered stone dust, an industrial M-class vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for other silica containing dusts, or wet sweeping, and bagging and disposing of dust or slurry using a strong, durable bag or those provided with your dust extraction equipment.

Does work involving Silica containing products require SWMS and Silica Dust Control Plan?

A SWMS must be prepared before carrying out construction work that has a risk of exposure to silica dust. This is because silica dust results in a contaminated atmosphere and is therefore high-risk construction work under the WHS Regulation.

Need help preparing a SWMS or Silica Dust Risk Control Plan for your workplace? Call ISOsafe 1300 789 132

ISOsafe’s Silica Dust Risk Control Plans include:

•                     the percentage of crystalline silica in the product being used

•                     all sources of silica dust in the workplace

•                     the dust control measures implemented for each activity

•                     how dust control measures are integrated into daily shift routines

•                     how air monitoring is used to assess whether the controls are working

•                     the systems in place to routinely inspect, maintain and monitor controls and equipment to ensure they are clean and functioning effectively

•                     ongoing monitoring and review strategies, particularly in response to incidents, control failure or where the workplace exposure standard is exceeded, and

•                     how risks, controls and any control failures, and where the workplace exposure standard is exceeded, are communicated and reported, as required by various State based WHS/OHS Regulators.

What training requirements apply if I work with Crystalline Silica Substances?

Training for silica awareness should be nationally accredited and provided by a registered training organisation (RTO).

10830NAT – Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention

Units of Competency – Silica Safety: CPCSIL3001 - Work with products and materials containing crystalline silica; or CPCSIL4001 - Supervise and manage work with products and materials generating respirable crystalline silica.

Where can I get more information on how to manage silica dust? Call ISOsafe today on 1300 789 132

Free Blank SWMS Template

ISOsafe are offering a free SWMS Template that helps you better manage onsite Health and Safety. We believe Safety at work is everyone's responsibility! Our Free Blank SWMS Template will guide you through the key considerations when conducting a Risk Assessment so you can get a real handle on hazards associated with your onsite activities and better plan preventive controls.

This Free Blank SWMS Template can be used for any work such as Cleaning and Security Work to Plumbing, Electrical and Construction related works.

Write your own SWMS using our free blank template

Find Your Free Blank SWMS Template below

SWMS Tailor Made For Your Work

Ask ISOsafe - Call Now 1300 789 132

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Ask ISOsafe - Call Now 1300 789 132 〰️

Benefits of using our Free Blank SWMS Template

✅ Free DIY solution

✅ This blank SWMS template has been reviewed by industry experts and will help you comply with onsite OHS/WHS regulations – in particular it breaks down any activity into tasks and helps you identify responsibilities

✅ Includes easy checkboxes for identifying applicable High Risk Construction Works

✅ The Free SWMS Template can be used in every State and Territory within Australia

Why are SWMS necessary?

A well documented SWMS can protect your clients, business and above all your workers as it offers an opportunity to consult and communicate any risks.

Are you too busy, or unsure how to correctly fill the blank SWMS? Call ISOsafe - 1300 789 132

Need expert help with SWMS? Call ISOsafe – 1300 789 132

Free First Aid Poster For Your Workplace

First Aid In The Workplace

What is First Aid?

The immediate treatment or care given to a person suffering from an injury or illness until more advanced care is provided or the person recovers.

First Aid Kits In the Workplace

All workers must be able to access a first aid kit. This will require at least one first aid kit to be provided at their workplace.

First Aid Kit Contents

The first aid kit should provide basic equipment for administering first aid for injuries including:

·       cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes and splinters

·       muscular sprains and strains

·       minor burns

·       amputations and/or major bleeding wounds

·       broken bones

·       eye injuries, and

·       shock.

The contents of first aid kits should be based on a risk assessment. For example, there may be higher risk of eye injuries and a need for more eye pads in a workplace in which work involves machinery or chemicals. For example, where:

·       chemical liquids or powders are handled in open containers

·       spraying, hosing or abrasive blasting operations are carried out

·       there is a possibility of flying particles causing eye injuries

·       there is a risk of splashing or spraying of infectious materials, or

·       welding, cutting or machining operations are carried out.

Extra equipment may be needed in remote workplaces, for example for serious burns, breathing difficulties or allergic reactions.

To assist you and your workplace, ISOsafe has created an informative First Aid Kit Contents Poster. Download it and display it around your workplace to ensure your First Aid Kit is kept up to date and fully stocked with the current WHS requirements.

If you are uncertain of your obligations when it comes to First Aid, or any other health and safety requirements in your workplace, call ISOsafe on 1300 789 132. Our Specialists can answer any questions you may have.

OHS/WHS Codes Of Practice (NSW)

WHS Codes Of Practice (NSW)

A Code Of Practice (COP) provides detailed information on how you can achieve the standards required under the work health and safety (WHS) laws.

In August 2019, SafeWork NSW adopted 23 model codes of practice (COPs) that were updated by Safe Work Australia and released during 2018.

These do not replace the WHS laws, but codes of practice can be issued to help make understanding what you have to do a little easier.

An inspector can refer to a code of practice when issuing an improvement or prohibition notice.

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings.

All codes of practice are below:

Abrasive blasting

Confined spaces

Construction work

Demolition work

Excavation work

First aid in the workplace

Formwork

Hazardous manual tasks

How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace

How to manage work health and safety risks

How to safely remove asbestos

Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals

Managing electrical risks

Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work

Managing the risk of falls at workplaces

Resources List

Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace

Managing the risks of plant in the workplace

Managing risks in stevedoring

Managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses

Managing the work environment and facilities

Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals

Managing the risk of falls in housing construction

Safe design of structures

Spray painting and powder coating

Welding processes

Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination

Pre-WHS legislation codes of practice

These codes of practice were developed based on older laws which were replaced with the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulation. However they are still current and can still be used to help you meet your WHS requirements.

Resources List

Amenity tree industry

Accommodation for rural agricultural work

Cash in transit

Collection of domestic waste

Control of work-related exposure to hepatitis and HIV (blood-borne) viruses

Cutting and drilling concrete and other masonry products

Moving plant on construction sites

Overhead protective structures

Safe handling of timber preservatives and treated timber

Safe use and storage of chemicals in agriculture

Safe use and storage of chemicals in agriculture Including pesticides and herbicides

Safe use of bulk solids containers

Safe use of bulk solids containers and flatbed storage including silos, field bins and chaser bins

Safe use of pesticides in non-agricultural workplaces

Safe use of synthetic mineral fibres

Safe work on roofs part 1 commercial industrial

Safety aspects in the design of bulk solids containers

Safety aspects in the design of bulk solids containers including silos, field bins and chaser bins

Safety in forest harvesting operations

Sawmilling industry

Technical guidance

Tunnels under construction

Work near overhead power lines

Feeling overwhelmed? Call ISOsafe to get simple straightforward OHS/WHS advice on 1300 789 132.

ISO 9001 Basics: Complete Beginner’s Guide to ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems — Requirements

ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS) is an international standard that helps organizations ensure they meet customers and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements related to a product or service. ISO 9001 is held by thousands of businesses in Australia, we’ve helped them get Certified with minimal disruption, reducing project costs and raising revenues.

In this guide to ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS) for beginners, you’ll learn:

·       What is ISO 9001 and why it is important?

·       Reasons for use?

·       ISO 9001 QMS Policy Best Practices

·       ISO 9001 Certification Best Practices   

·       How to best Prepare for ISO 9001 : 2015 Certification

·       Common Technical ISO 9001 QMS Issues

·       How to Track & Measure ISO 9001 QMS Performance Evaluation, Compliance Evaluations and Report Results at Management Review Meetings.

·       Additional ISO 9001 Considerations (such as industry specific applications of the standard and ISO Best Practices)

What is ISO 9001 and why it is important?

Over one million organizations worldwide are independently certified to ISO 9001, making it one of the most widely used management tools globally.

Contents of ISO 9001:2015 are as follows:

·       Section 1: Scope

·       Section 2: Normative references

·       Section 3: Terms and definitions

·       Section 4: Context of the organization

·       Section 5: Leadership

·       Section 6: Planning

·       Section 7: Support

·       Section 8: Operation

·       Section 9: Performance evaluation

·       Section 10: Continual Improvement

Similar to its predecessor, ISO 9001:2008, the layout of the current version of the standard follows PDCA (plan–do–check–act or plan–do–check–adjust) principles. PDCA is an iterative four-step management method used in business for the control and continuous improvement of processes and products.

The ISO 9001:2015 management system standard helps ensure that consumers get reliable, desired quality goods and services. This further increases benefits for a business.

Over time, various industry sectors have wanted to standardise their interpretations of the guidelines within their own marketplace. This is partly to ensure that their versions of ISO 9000 have their specific requirements, but also to try and ensure that more appropriately trained and experienced auditors are sent to assess them. Some examples include:

·       The TickIT guidelines

·       AS9000 is the Aerospace Basic Quality System Standard

·       PS 9000, QS 9000, ISO/TS 16949 now referred to as IATF 16949:2016 are the various Automotive Quality Management Systems

·       TL 9000 is the Telecom Quality Management and Measurement System Standard

·       ISO 13485:2016 Medical devices

·       ISO/IEC 90003:2014 Software engineering

·       ISO/TS 29001 is quality management system requirements for the design, development, production, installation, and service of products for the petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries

·       ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems

·       ISO 17025:2017 is the Quality Management System applicable only to Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Reasons for use?

Proper quality management can improve business, often having a positive effect on investment, market share, sales growth, sales margins, competitive advantage, and avoidance of litigation.

We've got the answers - Call our ISO 9001 Certification helpline now

ISO 9001 QMS Policy Best Practices

The ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems standard requires the development a Quality Policy. A Quality Policy is a document developed by management to express the commitment of top management with respect to quality.

Section 5.2 of the ISO 9001:2015 standard requires a written, well-defined quality policy that is communicated and understood by all stakeholders and interested parties. Need help developing a Quality Policy for your business? Call ISOsafe 1300 789 132.

ISO 9001 Certification Best Practices

Before the certification body can issue or renew a certificate, the auditor must be satisfied that the company being assessed has implemented the requirements of sections 4 to 10. Sections 1 to 3 are not directly audited against, but because they provide context and definitions for the rest of the standard, not that of the organization, their contents must be taken into account.

Common Technical ISO 9001 QMS Issues

An organization applying for ISO 9001 certification is audited based on an extensive sample of its sites, functions, products, services, and processes. The auditor presents a list of problems (defined as "non-conformities", "observations", or "opportunities for improvement") to management. If there are no major non-conformities, the certification body issues a certificate. Where major non-conformities are identified, the organization presents an improvement plan to the certification body (e.g. corrective action reports showing how the problems will be resolved); once the certification body is satisfied that the organization has carried out sufficient corrective action, it issues a certificate. The certificate is limited by a certain scope (e.g., production of golf balls) and displays the addresses to which the certificate refers.

How to Track & Measure ISO 9001 QMS Performance Evaluation, Compliance Evaluations and Report Results at Management Review Meetings.

The organization should determine the methods and frequency for monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation of Performance Evaluation. Does this all sound like too much work? Call ISOsafe now to get help with your ISO 9001 accreditation.

Additional ISO 9001 Considerations (such as industry specific applications of the standard and ISO Best Practices)

So if you’ve gotten this far, you should know a lot of information about how ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems.

What should you do next? Call ISOsafe on 1300 789 132 to get started on your ISO 9001 Certification.