New Silica Dust Safety Regulations for the ACT
19th December 2022
by The Landscape Association
Work Health and Safety reforms for silica dust are being introduced in the ACT. Reforms will require the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to demonstrate that they are meeting their workplace obligations and responsibilities and provide better protection for people working with materials containing crystalline silica.
About the Reforms
From 14 July 2022, the ACT will prohibit uncontrolled dry cutting of materials and products containing crystalline silica. The ban will apply to engineered stone, natural stone containing silica, concrete and masonry, cement and mortar and bricks.
Processes that will be covered by the prohibition would include using a power tool, for:
Crystalline silica is most dangerous to health when dust is generated, becomes airborne and inhaled by workers. Exposure risks to silica dust is heighted with uncontrolled dry cutting using power tools.
Mandatory Training
The ACT reforms will also introduce mandatory silica dust awareness training for workers engaged in high risk crystalline silica work – like asbestos awareness training already in place.
Nationally accredited training can help increase awareness about the risks of silica and engages workers and PCBUs in appropriate elimination and control strategies.
A new nationally accredited training course will be declared later in 2022. WorkSafe ACT will provide more information about this training in the coming months.
PCBUs must ensure silica dust awareness training is completed by 1 July 2023.
For more information, please click here.
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