Silica Risk Control
Introduction
Respirable crystalline silica dust is generated when crystalline silica substances are cut, drilled, ground, sandblasted, crushed or polished. In Queensland workplaces this dust is found in bricks, concrete, fibre cement, engineered stone, porcelain and many other construction and manufacturing materials. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, lung cancer, kidney disease and autoimmune conditions, and it is a serious work health and safety risk under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, 2022).
From 1 September 2024 the Queensland WHS Regulation includes Chapter 8A, Part 8A.2 for crystalline silica substances (Queensland Government, 2024). A person conducting a business or undertaking must not carry out, or direct or allow a worker to carry out, processing of a CSS unless the processing is controlled (Queensland Government, 2011b). The duties apply regardless of whether the processing is high risk or not and they sit on top of the general primary duty to manage risks so far as is reasonably practicable (Queensland Government, 2011a).
Identify and Assess the Processing Before Work Starts
The first step is to identify if processing of a crystalline silica substance will occur at the workplace. Processing means actions such as cutting, grinding, drilling, crushing, sawing, sanding or polishing that can release respirable dust. The PCBU must then assess whether the processing is high risk under regulation 529CA by having regard to the specific processing, the form and proportion of crystalline silica in the material, frequency and duration of exposure, previous air and health monitoring results, and whether airborne concentration is reasonably likely to exceed half the workplace exposure standard (Queensland Government, 2011b; Queensland Government, 2026).
If the PCBU cannot determine if the processing is high risk, it must be assumed to be high risk until a subsequent assessment shows otherwise. The assessment must be documented in writing and include an outcome and justification for each process. This documented assessment forms the basis for deciding what controls are required and whether a silica risk control plan is triggered.
When a Silica Risk Control Plan Is Required
A silica risk control plan is required before any high risk processing of a CSS commences. Regulation 529CB requires the plan to be prepared, implemented and reviewed (Queensland Government, 2011b). The plan must be readily accessible and understandable to workers and provided to them before they start the work.
The plan is not required for low risk processing, but all processing must still be controlled under regulation 529C (Queensland Government, 2011b). The distinction matters because high risk processing attracts additional duties for training, air monitoring and health monitoring under regulations 529CD, 50 and Division 6 of Part 7.1. Where processing is also high risk construction work, a safe work method statement may be used in place of a separate plan if it contains all required information.
What the Silica Risk Control Plan Must Contain
Regulation 529CB sets out what a silica risk control plan must contain (Queensland Government, 2011b). The plan must:
1. Identify the high risk processing
Identify the processing of any crystalline silica substance carried out at the workplace that is high risk.
2. Include the risk assessment
Include the assessment made under regulation 529CA for each high risk process, so the plan is built on a documented view of the actual risk.
3. State the control measures and how they are managed
State the control measures that will be used to control the risks, and describe how those measures will be implemented, monitored and reviewed.
4. Be readily accessible and understandable
Be set out and expressed in a way that is readily accessible and understandable to the people who will use it.
Where the processing is also high risk construction work, a safe work method statement that satisfies these requirements may be used instead of a separate plan. The plan must be reviewed and revised as necessary when control measures are revised under regulation 38 (Queensland Government, 2011b).
When a SWMS Can Be Used Instead
A safe work method statement prepared for high risk construction work can be used instead of a separate silica risk control plan, provided the SWMS includes all information required by regulation 529CB (Queensland Government, 2011b). This applies where processing of a CSS is high risk construction work and respirable crystalline silica may contaminate the work atmosphere.
The SWMS must still identify the high risk processing, include the regulation 529CA assessment, document control measures and their implementation, monitoring and review, and cover training. If the SWMS does not meet all silica risk control plan requirements, a separate plan must be prepared in addition to the SWMS. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the document is current and communicated to workers.
Implement, Monitor and Review the Controls
Processing of a crystalline silica substance is controlled under regulation 529B when control measures are implemented, so far as is reasonably practicable, to eliminate or minimise the risk, and at least one of the following controls is used during the processing (Queensland Government, 2011b).
If a person remains at risk after those controls, respiratory protective equipment must be provided and worn. Controls must be fit for purpose, suitable for the work, and installed, set up and used correctly. The PCBU must monitor and review controls to verify they remain effective, including pre start checks, toolbox talks, daily cleaning using wet methods or H or M class vacuums, and regular inspection of equipment.
Training, Air Monitoring and Health Monitoring
Workers involved in high risk processing of a CSS must receive nationally accredited training or training approved by the regulator (Queensland Government, 2011b; Queensland Government, 2026). Training must cover the health risks of respirable crystalline silica and the need for and proper use of risk control measures. A record of training must be kept while the worker is processing CSS and for five years after they cease work for the PCBU.
Air monitoring for respirable crystalline silica must be undertaken in accordance with regulation 50 to verify controls are working. If airborne concentration exceeds the workplace exposure standard, results must be provided to the regulator (Queensland Government, 2011b). Health monitoring must be provided in accordance with Division 6 of Part 7.1 of the WHS Regulations for workers at risk from high risk processing.
Apply the Queensland Silica Code of Practice
The Queensland Code of Practice Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements provides practical guidance for complying with the WHS Regulation (Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, 2022). It assists PCBUs to identify processing, assess risk, apply the hierarchy of controls and develop silica risk control plans.
The Code sets out examples of high risk processing, guidance on ventilation and water suppression, administrative controls and personal protective equipment, and templates for assessment and planning. While a Code is not a legal requirement, compliance with it can demonstrate that a PCBU has met the duty to manage risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Silica Planning Before Work Starts
Effective silica planning starts before work begins with a site specific assessment of materials, processes and exposure potential (Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, n.d.). The PCBU should confirm the crystalline silica content of materials, the energy of the process, duration and frequency, and the number of workers exposed. This informs selection of controls and whether processing is high risk.
Planning should also include consultation with workers, allocation of responsibilities, provision of appropriate plant and equipment, establishment of exclusion zones, and arrangements for air monitoring, health monitoring and record keeping. Controls should be verified through initial air monitoring and ongoing checks to ensure exposure remains as low as reasonably practicable.
Conclusion
Respirable crystalline silica dust is a preventable work health and safety hazard in Queensland. PCBUs have a clear duty to identify processing of crystalline silica substances, assess whether it is high risk, and ensure processing is controlled at all times. For high risk processing, a silica risk control plan must be prepared before work starts and must document assessment, controls, training, monitoring and review (Queensland Government, 2011b).
Implementing and verifying controls through training, air monitoring and health monitoring protects workers from silicosis and other serious diseases. Consistent application of the WHS Regulation and the Queensland Silica Code of Practice supports compliance and a safer workplace.
References
Queensland Government. (2011a). Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Queensland Legislation. https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2011-018
Queensland Government. (2011b). Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, chapter 8A, sections 529A to 529CE. Queensland Legislation. https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2011-0240
Queensland Government. (2024). Work Health and Safety Amendment Regulation 2024. Queensland Legislation. Crystalline silica amendments commenced 1 September 2024. https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/asmade/sl-2024-0174
Queensland Government. (2026). Work Health and Safety (High Risk Plant) Amendment Regulation 2026. Queensland Legislation. Amendments to sections 529CA and 529CD commenced 29 March 2026. https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/asmade/sl-2026-0021
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. (2022). Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements Code of Practice 2022. Commenced 1 May 2023. https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/codes-of-practice/managing-respirable-crystalline-silica-dust-exposure-in-construction-and-manufacturing-of-construction-elements-code-of-practice-2022
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. (n.d.). Regulation on processing crystalline silica substances. Retrieved 8 August 2026, from https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/workplace-hazards/regulation-on-processing-crystalline-silica-substances
