WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DUST

Occupational health and safety legislation states that workers must not be exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) levels above the national exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m3 (in an 8 hour Time Weighted Average period).

Regulations require that exposure to hazardous substances be prevented where practical. If exposure can’t be prevented, the risk must be reduced firstly by controls other than personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE should only be used to manage any remaining risk.

Silica is a natural mineral which is found in rocks, sand and clay. It is thus found in bricks and concrete too. A small fraction of Silica occurs in a sharp, hard crystalline form. Particles smaller than 10 microns in diameter can be breathed directly into the lungs and can cause damage leading to Silicosis. This is called ‘Respirable Crystalline Silica’ or RCS.