Respirable crystalline silica is one of the most serious hazards in construction, manufacturing and mining. The dust is often too fine to see — but breathing it in over time can cause permanent lung damage.
Where does silica dust come from?
Silica is found in concrete, bricks, tiles, mortar, sandstone, granite and engineered stone. Dust is released when these materials are cut, ground, drilled, polished or crushed.
Why it matters
Exposure is linked to silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease. Silicosis cannot be reversed, which is why prevention is everything. In Australia, the use of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs has been prohibited since 1 July 2024 because of the risk.
Controls that work
- Eliminate or substitute — choose lower-silica materials or methods where you can.
- Engineering controls — wet cutting and on-tool dust extraction at the source.
- Administrative controls — limit time and the number of people exposed; keep work areas clean with wet methods or H-class vacuums, never dry sweeping.
- Respiratory protection — correctly selected and fit-tested respirators as the last line of defence.
- Health monitoring — where required, for workers at risk of exposure.
Training makes the difference
Controls only work when people understand why they matter and how to use them. Silica awareness training gives crews the knowledge to recognise the risk and act on it.
Silica awareness for your team
On-site, online or blended training tailored to your industry.
