Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is a hazardous chemical commonly found in aggregates, mortar, concrete and stone. Inhalation may lead to irritation, shortness of breath and asthma. At high levels, one may develop acute silicosis (lung fibrosis), a progressive condition that can cause dyspnoea (chronic shortness of breath) and even death. More info below:
Safe Work Australia requires health monitoring of any employees exposed to RCS: pre-employment, annually & post-employment.
Safe work Australia released a health monitoring guide dated September 2021:
INTEV conducts thorough assessments of workplace activities to evaluate risks and implement controls for managing workers’ exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). This process includes:
Monitoring requirements for silica, specifically respirable crystalline silica (RCS), typically involve measuring workplace exposures to ensure compliance with established standards. The 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) workplace exposure standard (WES) for RCS stands at 0.05 mg/m³. To meet these requirements, employers often conduct regular air monitoring using specialised equipment to quantify the concentration of RCS particles in the air within the workplace environment. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/crystalline-silica-and-silicosis/workplace-exposure-standard-respirable-crystalline-silica
Air monitoring equipment for silica dust typically involves specialised instruments designed to measure the concentration of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) particles in the air. These instruments often utilise sampling heads specifically tailored for silica dust monitoring, which differ from those used for asbestos dust. The sampling head collects air samples, allowing for the quantification of silica dust levels present in the workplace environment.
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-06/report_measuring_respirable_crystalline_silica.pdf
Exposure to silica dust poses significant health risks to workers, leading to progressive and potentially fatal conditions such as silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. By quantifying silica levels in industrial environments through regular monitoring, employers can assess the extent of worker exposure and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate health risks effectively.
Testing for silica dust exposure typically involves collecting air samples from the workplace environment using specialised monitoring equipment. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory setting to quantify the concentration of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) particles present. It is essential that these samples are analysed by a laboratory accredited and approved by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) or an equivalent regulatory body to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Exposure to silica dust can lead to various health effects depending on the duration and intensity of exposure. Acute silicosis, a severe form of silicosis, can develop from as little as a few weeks of very high exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). In acute cases, individuals may experience rapid onset of symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. However, chronic silicosis typically develops over years or decades of prolonged exposure to lower levels of silica dust. Regardless of the duration of exposure, it is essential to minimize exposure to silica dust through effective control measures to prevent the development of silicosis and other respiratory diseases.
