Crystalline Silica Monitoring & Risk Assessment

Crystalline silica (often referred to as respirable crystalline silica or RCS) is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials such as sand, concrete, bricks and engineered stone. When disturbed through cutting, grinding or polishing, its fine particles can become airborne. Inhalation of those particles can lead to serious long term health impacts, including silicosis and lung cancer.

ENVSS is committed to delivering robust crystalline silica dust monitoring, assessment and advisory services to keep your site compliant with WHS frameworks and reduce the risk of occupational exposure to airborne contaminants. For more information or to book an assessment, get in touch.

Our Crystalline Silica Monitoring Services

At ENVSS, we understand the challenge of managing silica risks across the mining, manufacturing, construction and fabrication industries. With extensive site experience and a practical, regulatory aligned approach, our team can deliver tailored monitoring services that address the operational realities of your site.

All monitoring is undertaken by qualified occupational hygienists and all sampling is analysed in NATA accredited laboratories, ensuring we provide the clearest guidance to support ongoing compliance and protect occupant health. Our services include:

Airborne Silica Monitoring

Using calibrated pumps and cyclone sampling heads, we conduct personal and static monitoring in accordance with AS 2985:2009. This testing identified exposure levels to determine your compliance with the WES for respirable crystalline silica dust.

Risk Assessments and Control Review

Our occupational hygienists evaluate monitoring data and existing site controls to advise on practical and cost effective risk reduction strategies.

Task Based Exposure Profiling

Our services aren't just tailored to site type. We can also measure exposures across specific tasks in varied work environments, identifying peak risk activities to inform scheduling, PPE use and engineering controls

Compliance Documentation

We have a thorough understanding of Western Australia's regulatory frameworks and will provide clear reports suitable for internal compliance, government inspection and broader hygiene risk registers.

Health Monitoring Support

In accordance with WHS Regulation 368, we assist in identifying and liaising with registered medical practitioners for health monitoring of workers. For more information, click here.

Why You Must Monitor Crystalline Silica

Airborne RCS particles are small enough to reach the deepest parts of the lungs (and remain there). That exposure can cause irreversible diseases, even if the worker does not report immediate symptoms. Engineered stone fabrication and tunnelling activities carry an elevated RCS risk.

In WA, silica exposure is regulated under the WHS (General) Regulations 2022, which sets out specific requirements for risk control, exposure monitoring and health surveillance. There is also a Workplace Exposure Standard for respirable crystalline silica, currently set at:

0.05 mg/m³ (eight-hour time weighted average)

Should exposure exceed this level or if building management is unable to determine exposure levels with confidence, you are required to carry out ongoing monitoring and implement various control measures.

How Respirable Crystalline Silica is Generated

Crystalline silica dust can be generated during various activities, including:

  • Cutting, grinding or drilling concrete, brick, tile or engineered stone

  • Demolition and blasting

  • Earthworks, tunnelling or quarrying

  • Road construction and maintenance

  • Foundry, mining and manufacturing activities

Exposure levels will differ depending on environments, material type, work duration, task frequency and any control measures already in place. Implementing a monitoring program will allow you to quantify exposure in your site specific context.

Your Legal Duties

Western Australia has imposed strict and clear regulations to manage RCS exposure. Under WHS legislation, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking must:

  • Identify and assess the risk of exposure to airborne RCS

  • Carry out air monitoring if there is uncertainty around exposure levels

  • Implement the hierarchy of controls, starting with elimination and engineering measures

  • Provide workers with information, training and instruction on the risks of silica

  • Arrange health monitoring for workers exposed to RCS at significant levels

Importantly, these obligations apply to all PCBUs, not just employers. That includes manufacturers, principal contractors and fabricators

Contact ENVSS and Book a Crystalline Silica Exposure Assessment

RCS exposure cannot be left unassessed. Whether you’re responding to a regulatory concern or managing a complex site with multiple crystalline silica hazards, ENVSS can provide ongoing support.

For a tailored quote or to schedule monitoring services for crystalline silica, asbestos or another airborne contaminant, contact ENVSS today.