Getting across the new Code of Practice for the management of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)

The new Code of Practice for the management of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) in the construction industry, effective from 1 May 2023 in Queensland, marks the country’s first silica dust Code of Practice. It sets out how to manage the risks associated with exposure to RCS, which has been linked to serious occupational lung diseases such as silicosis.

According to Craig Dearling, General Manager – Workforce Services, Master Builders Queensland, the new code provides guidance on how persons in control of a business or undertaking (PCBU’s) can safely manage RCS and comply with their general duty of ensuring the health and safety of people at work.

While the local construction and building industry has been quick to understand and adopt preventative measures and mitigate the risks associated with RCS exposure, there is still work to be done. “On the whole, our members take active steps to ensure health and safety at work and genuinely care about the impact on their workers. However, there are challenges in the context of an industry made up of so many small businesses that have a large number of legislative and regulatory obligations to fulfill. Many of these small businesses don’t have dedicated professionals within their workforce to ensure compliance,” he says.

This is where Master Builders Queensland – the industry association representing building and construction in the region – fills the gap. The association provides members with practical advice and guidance on how to meet their legal requirements and apply the best practice health and safety practices. Information and practical tips will be highlighted through their participation in the Workplace Health & Safety Show in Brisbane this year. “We support the industry with education and awareness and to improve safety outcomes for workers which is why we felt that the Work Health and Safety Show was a great opportunity to reach our members and other companies and individuals who are interested in safety in construction,” adds Craig.

THREE measures to reduce the risks associated with RCS exposure

Craig explains that employers can put the following three practical measures into practice, to mitigate the risk of exposure to RCS:

  1. Refer closely to Appendix 4 of the new Code of Practice, which contains a ‘controls table’ outlining what controls should be used for a range of different tasks. “It also explains when respiratory protective equipment is required, and when health monitoring of workers might be required. It’s a handy resource to refer to for specific, practical advice,” he notes.
  2. Familiarise yourself with the available information on high-risk products, identify potential hazards, and implement appropriate and effective controls to mitigate risks.
  3. Call in professional health and safety advisors, like those at Master Builders, before performing any work where you are unsure about the RCS hazards, the risks, and how to mitigate them.

Master Builders offers training sessions on silica awareness for anyone working with concrete, tiles, block, stone and other materials that potentially expose them to RCS. In addition, Master Builders advisors are on hand to consult on the hazards and risks in any building or construction environment and provide guidance on how to control them.

Master Builders

Brisbane Workplace Health & Safety Show, Brisbane 31 May to 1 June 2023

 

Those interested in this, and other safety topics have the benefit of a second Work Health and Safety Show which will take place at the Sydney Showground from 20 – 21 September 2023.  More information and additional safety presentations are available at the free Knowledge Centre sessions.

Interested professionals can view the complete program and register for free, HERE