WorkSafe Victoria: New Crystalline Silica Duties Commence

MBV would like to remind members that as of 15 May 2022, if you or your workers are carrying out a crystalline silica process or processes, you must identify whether those processes meet the definition of high-risk crystalline silica work.

High risk crystalline silica work is defined as work performed in connection with a crystalline silica process that is reasonably likely to result in:

  1. An airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica that exceeds half the exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica or
  2. A risk to the health of a person at the workplace

You must not perform high risk crystalline silica work unless:

  1. A crystalline silica hazard control statement (CSHCS) is prepared for the work before the work commences and
  2. The work is performed in accordance with that statement

 

Public Comment Open

Public comment on the proposed Managing exposure to crystalline silica: Engineered stone compliance code (proposed code) commenced yesterday, Tuesday 17 May 2022 for 28 days.
 
A dedicated webpage has been created to facilitate the public comment process via the Victorian Government’s consultation website, Engage Victoria.

Following public comment, WorkSafe will consider all submissions and make further amendments to the proposed code, where appropriate. Approval will then be sought from the Minister for Workplace Safety, Ingrid Stitt MP, to make the proposed code. It is anticipated the code will be made in late 2022.

Public comment will open until 14 June 2022.

Click here to submit your input.