To ensure silica safety, workers must be aware of the risks of inhaling silica dust, which can lead to serious lung diseases like silicosis, and implement appropriate controls, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
What is silica?
Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, soil, sand, and clay. It is mined in sites around Australia for use in various manufacturing processes, including construction materials and industrial applications. It is used to create ceramics, glass, and abrasives.
Why is silica a problem?
The fine dust can be inhaled and cause silicosis, a chronic lung disease. If you work with silica-containing materials, you may be at risk. Everyone has the right to be safe at work, and your lung health is no exception.
What is silicosis?
Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by breathing in small particles of silica dust. Inhaling this dust causes inflammation which, over time, leads to scarring of the lung tissue. This causes stiffening of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
What can I do to avoid being exposed?
It is essential to wear a well-fitting mask (please note that you must be clean-shaven for a secure mask fit).
How do I know if I’ve been affected?
Symptoms of silicosis may appear after many years of exposure. In its early stages, symptoms are mild and include cough, sputum and progressive shortness of breath. As the scarring continues to worsen, the first real signs of a problem may be an abnormal chest X-ray and a slowly developing cough.
Once the lung scarring has become more severe, various symptoms may appear. These could be a persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. People also suffer from weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling and bluish discolouration of the lips.
Once the lung scarring has become more severe, various symptoms may appear. These could be a persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. People also suffer from weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling and bluish discolouration of the lips.
What should I do if I think I have been affected?
Talk to your GP about your symptoms and possible exposure. Ask for a referral to a respiratory specialist.
You may be entitled to compensation. Talk to your union; seek legal advice.
You may be entitled to compensation. Talk to your union; seek legal advice.