Silica Dust Monitoring
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure assessment
What Is Silica Dust Monitoring?
Silica dust monitoring measures worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) — a fine dust generated when cutting, grinding, drilling, or crushing materials containing quartz. RCS particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, causing irreversible scarring known as silicosis.
Australia's current Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) is 0.05 mg/m³ TWA-8h. The forthcoming Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL), effective December 2026, halves this to 0.025 mg/m³ — aligning with international best practice and reflecting updated health evidence on silicosis and lung cancer risk.
How Is It Done?
Sampling via personal pump + cyclone. Lab analysis by XRD (NIOSH 7500) or IR (NIOSH 7602).
When You Need This
- +SafeWork improvement notice
- +Head contractor requirement
- +Baseline monitoring for new process or site
- +WEL transition preparation
- +Workers cutting, grinding, or drilling silica-containing materials
- +Health surveillance triggers indicate potential overexposure
Relevant Standards
Common Industries
Related Monitoring
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