![]() ![]() This is a precautionary measure to minimise the risk of silica-related disease such as silicosis and lung cancer.Īn engineered stone process is a process involving engineered stone at a workplace that generates crystalline silica dust, including cutting, grinding or abrasive polishing of engineered stone.īy law, employers and self-employed persons must ensure specific risk controls are used when engineered stone processes are undertaken in their workplace. WorkSafe Victoria recommends that employees are not exposed to levels above 0.02 mg/m3 as a TWA. The workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica is based on the levels found in a person’s breathing zone, outside of any respiratory protective equipment that may be in use.Įmployers are required to ensure employee exposure does not exceed this standard. For people working extended shifts, the TWA will need to be adjusted. The workplace exposure standard for crystalline silica dust (listed under Quartz (respirable dust)) is 0.05 mg/m3 as a time-weighted average) airborne concentration over 8 hours.Īn 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure standard is the average airborne concentration of a particular substance permitted over an 8-hour working day, 5-day working week. Safe Work Australia publishes exposure standards for airborne contaminants in the workplace. autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma.In recent years, identified cases of silicosis have been increasing, in particular ‘accelerated’ silicosis caused by short periods of high levels of exposure.īreathing in silica dust can also cause other serious diseases, such as: In severe cases, the damage caused to the lungs by silicosis can require a lung transplant or may even lead to death. Silicosis is a serious and incurable disease, with symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue and weight loss. When respirable crystalline silica dust is inhaled it can cause silicosis, which is a scarring of the lungs. Silica dust can be harmful when inhaled into the lungs over a long period of time at low to moderate levels, or short periods at high levels. Any uncontrolled processing of engineered stone that generates crystalline silica dust, including cutting, grinding or polishing with power tools or other mechanical plant, is not permitted in Victoria. In particular, people working in benchtop fabrication are at a higher risk, because they regularly work with engineered stone, which has a very high crystalline silica content. Stonemasons will be exposed to crystalline silica dust, especially when using power tools to cut, grind or polish stone products. Tasks like cutting, grinding or abrasively polishing stone products release respirable crystalline silica dust – dust particles small enough to breathe into your lungs. Stonemasons are exposed to crystalline silica dust To find out how much crystalline silica is in a product, check the safety data sheet (SDS) or other information from the supplier. High levels of crystalline silica may also be found in some natural stone products. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) engineered stone is defined as a manufactured composite stone material that contains resins and 40% or more crystalline silica. The table below lists the common stone products and their typical crystalline silica content.Įngineered stone is also known as reconstituted, artificial or manufactured stone. Crystalline silica is a natural mineral found in stone products. ![]()
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