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The first Code of Practice in the country for the management of Respirable Crystalline Silica in the construction industry will be implemented in Queensland on 1 May 2023. It outlines how to manage the risks of exposure to RCS which has been linked with serious occupational lung diseases like silicosis.
According to Craig Dearling General Manager, Workforce Services at Master Builders Queensland the new code gives guidance on how persons who control a business or undertaking can safely manage RCS and comply with their duty to ensure the health and safety for people at work. There is still much to be done. While the local building and construction industry has been quick in adopting preventative measures to mitigate the risks of RCS exposure, more work needs to be done.
"Our members are generally proactive in ensuring health and safety and care about their workers' impact. There are challenges, however, in an industry that is made up of many small businesses with a multitude of regulatory and legislative obligations to meet.
He says that many of these small businesses lack dedicated professionals to ensure compliance. Master Builders Queensland, the industry association that represents building and construction in Queensland, fills this gap. The association offers practical advice and guidance to its members on how to meet legal requirements and apply best practices in health and safety. The Workplace Health & Safety Show will highlight information and practical tips through their participation this year in Brisbane. "We support the construction industry with education and awareness and improve safety outcomes for workers.
This is why we thought that the Work Health and Safety Show would be a great way to reach out to our members and to other companies and individuals interested in safety. Reduce the risk of RCS exposure with these 3 measures Craig explains how employers can implement the following three practical steps to reduce the risk of exposure. Refer to Appendix 4 of this new Code of Practice. It contains a "controls table" that outlines the controls that should be used in a variety of different tasks. It also explains when respiratory protection equipment is needed, and when workers' health monitoring may be required. He says it's a great resource for practical, specific advice. Identify potential hazards and implement effective controls to reduce risks. Before performing any work, consult with a professional health and safety advisor, such as those at Master Builders.
They can help you understand the RCS hazards and risks and how to mitigate these. Both AlertForce & OHS.com.au provide the nationally recognised Silica 10830NAT course
https://ohs.com.au/products/10830nat-course-in-crystalline-silica-exposure-prevention-mitchell-canberra
OR via AlertForce Silica Awareness Training