SA enforces exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica

SafeWork SA implemented a reduced workplace exposure limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica on 1 July 2020.

Work health and safety (WHS) ministers have agreed by the requisite majority decision of Safe Work Australia to reduce the WEL for respirable crystalline silica to an eight-hour time-weighted average of 0.05 mg/m3. This will affect any research involving cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing stone, rock, concrete, brick, block and mortar sand in the University.