Silica dust education at the forefront of our minds

Our site teams have been completing some very notable educational sessions of late, speaking to relevant supervisors about the methods available for the control of silica dust.

At Calliope State High School our Site Manager Craig held a session with Hilti Australia showcasing the various products available to ensure 100% control, whilst maintaining a safe environment for all parties.

On our Caboolture Hospital site, Site Safety Officer Cameron Barker was also given the same demonstration during a recent toolbox talk along with a similar chat that was happening on the Townsville Hospital project.

Silica dust (crystalline silica) is found in some stone, rock, sand, gravel and clay. The most common form is quartz. Silica dust can also be found in the following products:

• bricks
• tiles
• concrete
• some plastic material.

When these materials are worked on, silica is released as a fine dust known as respirable crystalline silica or silica dust. Silica dust is harmful when inhaled into your lungs. As it is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, you can be breathing it in without knowing.

Today, all States and Territories in Australia have work health and safety laws that explain duty of care for employers and workers’ responsibilities.

Education is key, and Paynters are committed to ensuring that all workers entering our sites have the highest level of protection & safety.

If you have any queries or concerns about Silica dust, please click the link to a helpful fact sheet, which provides appropriate contact details on the Cancer Council website.

https://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/workplace-cancer/silica-dust.html