This following checklist can be used by principal contractors and builders to identify and manage silica dust exposure risks on construction sites.

Silica (crystalline silica) is found in most stone, rock, sand, gravel and clay. The most common form is quartz. Silica can also be found in bricks, tiles and concrete materials and is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. You can be breathing it in without even knowing.

Uncontrolled cutting, grinding or drilling of products or materials containing crystalline silica can generate hazardous levels of airborne dust. Breathing in silica dust can be harmful and lead to serious, sometimes fatal illnesses.

Principal contractors and builders have a duty to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes having safe systems of work and safety equipment when working with products/materials containing silica.

SafeWork NSW inspectors may issue “stop work” prohibition notices for activities that generate uncontrolled silica dust.

On-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 may also be issued to those placing workers lives at risk by not adequately protecting them from silica dust exposure when cutting manufactured stone.