New silica Code - using control methods in Appendix 4
The new silica code of practice commences on 1 May 2023.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland takes you through a step-by-step controlled approach to managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction.
Appendix 4 of the Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and the manufacturing of construction elements Code of Practice 2022 is your trusted advisor, and it’s been designed to provide practical mitigative approaches. Below is an excerpt from Appendix 4, with the sample task using a quick cut saw.
Excerpt from Appendix 4
NB, the controls table does not apply to tunnelling, or construction work in a tunnel.
Equipment/task | Engineering and work practice control methods | Respiratory protective equipment, minimum protection factor (MPF) | |
≤ 4 hours /shift | > 4 hours /shift | ||
Handheld power saws (any blade diameter), includes quick cut saws, concrete chasing. |
| Outdoor: none Indoor/enclosed: MPF 10 | Outdoor: MPF 10 Indoor/enclosed: MPF 10 |
Or; | |||
| Outdoor: MPF 10 Indoor/enclosed: MPF 10 | Outdoor: MPF 10 Indoor/enclosed: MPF 10 | |
Note: If you follow the controls specified in Appendix 4, and use them correctly, you are not required to undertake air monitoring. If you select different controls for the task, in accordance with the hierarchy of controls, you will need valid exposure data from air monitoring to demonstrate the selected controls are effective at preventing workers from being exposed to RCS at levels above the workplace exposure standard.