Australia is leading the way in safeguarding its workforce with stringent measures against the hazards of respirable crystalline silica. The latest legislative changes involves a prohibition on the use of engineered stone which came into effect on 1 July 2024. This step is crucial in addressing the rising concern of silicosis, a severe lung disease affecting workers in various industries.
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The impact of respiratory hazards and silicosis in Australia

Silicosis, a debilitating lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica, has become a significant health issue in Australia. The disease leads to irreversible scarring and stiffening of the lungs, making breathing difficult and often resulting in early death. Exposure to respirable silica dust has also been linked to other severe health conditions, including lung cancer, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials like rocks, soil, and sand. While the general population encounters non-respirable silica particles daily, workers in industries such as construction and manufacturing face higher risks from respirable silica dust. Activities like cutting, grinding, or polishing engineered stone release these harmful particles into the air.

Since the 2000s, engineered stone has been a popular choice for benchtops due to its affordability and durability. However, its production processes expose workers to high levels of respirable silica dust, leading to a surge in silicosis cases, particularly among younger workers.
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Legislative changes

Recognising the need for action, Australia's Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Ministers have endorsed amendments to the model WHS Regulations, which include a prohibition on the use of engineered stone from 1 July 2024. This prohibition aims to protect workers from the deadly effects of silica dust. Some jurisdictions will allow a transition period until 31 December 2024 for specific work with engineered stone.

The new regulations introduce two national frameworks:

1. A notification framework for working with legacy engineered stone products.

2. An exemption framework for cases where engineered stone products can be demonstrated to be safe.

Additionally, from 1 September 2024, enhanced regulations for all crystalline silica processes will come into effect, covering industries such as tunnelling and quarrying.  

These regulations will:

• Prohibit uncontrolled processing of crystalline silica.

• Require the development of a Silica Risk Control Plan.

• Mandate additional training for workers.

• Implement air and health monitoring.

• Require reporting of exceedances of the workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica.

Henrietta Tan, Engagement Manager at Standards Australia, stated, "These regulations mark a significant step forward in safeguarding workers' health. By implementing rigorous controls and monitoring, we can better protect workers from the severe risks associated with crystalline silica."

The increased awareness of diseases like silicosis highlights the critical need for effective respiratory protection in hazardous work environments. Job site dusts, especially in industries like construction and manufacturing, pose severe health risks, making it essential to equip workers with proper respiratory protection to safeguard their health and well-being.
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AS/NZS 1716:2012:  Respiratory Protection

AS/NZS 1716:2012, Respiratory protective devices sets benchmarks for respiratory protective devices, to help ensure they provide effective protection against harmful atmospheres experienced on the job. The standard provides important guidelines for manufacturers of respiratory protective equipment, employers, and users in industries where air quality is a concern, by setting out performance requirements for different types of respiratory protective equipment.
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Key benefits of AS/NZS 1716:2012

AS/NZS 1716:2012 specifies requirements, testing, and marking of respiratory protective devices. It helps to ensure that these devices provide effective protection against harmful atmospheres, promoting worker safety across various industries.

Adherence to AS/NZS 1716:2013 can help to:

• Enhance safety and protection in environments with air contaminants.

• Assure quality and performance of respiratory protective equipment.

• Support compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.

Henrietta Tan emphasised, "Adherence to AS/NZS 1716:2012 is important for providing a high level of protection against pollutants and toxic environments. It not only helps organisations comply with regulatory requirements but also helps to enhance worker confidence and safety."

Australia's decision to implement laws prohibiting the use, supply, and manufacture of all engineered stone reflects a proactive approach to worker health. This prohibition, effective from 1 July 2024, aims to reduce the incidence of silicosis and related diseases among workers. The enhanced regulations and standards like AS/NZS 1716:2012 underscore Australia's dedication to protecting its workforce and promoting a culture of safety and health.

AS/NZS 1716:2012 is available via the Standards Australia Store.