help guide & checklist respirable crystalline silica in

Help Guide & Checklist Respirable Crystalline Silica in Queensland Mineral Mines & QuarriesAPPLYING QGL02 IN YOUR BUSINESS

Assistance for understanding and applying the requirements of QGL02 – Guideline for

Management of Respirable Crystalline Silica in Queensland Mineral Mines and Quarries

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Respirable Crystalline Silica Management

What Is Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)?

• RCS occurs naturally and is a basic component of soil, sand & granite. A significant amount of silica is present in most rocks, sands, clays, shale and gravel. Quartz (SiO2) is by far the most common form of RCS.

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified RCS as a Group 1 cancer causing agent. This classification puts RCS alongside other airborne hazards such as asbestos, wood dust, welding fumes and cigarette smoke.

• RCS dust is incredibly fine and cannot be seen under ordinary lighting.

• Non-crystalline forms of silica are typically termed amorphous silica and do not cause the same health effects as crystalline forms.

Dust Generating Activities in Mining & Quarrying

Mining and Quarrying activities that have a potential to generate dust with RCS content are:

• Drilling

• Blasting

• Excavating

• Mucking or loading

• Tipping or transporting

• Crushing and conveying

• Cutting or grinding

• Drying or calcining

• Pelletising

• Bagging

• Plant maintenance and cleaning

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The Health Impact

• The dust particles must be inhaled and be <10 microns in diameter (respirable size).

• The dust particles must be small enough to be inhaled to the lower region of the lungs, generally <10 microns in diameter.

• Silicosis has a typical latency period of 15 - 20 years; however, symptoms of the disease may develop in as little as 5 – 10 years.

• Typical symptoms include severe shortness of breath, weakness and weight loss.

• Acute exposure to very high respirable dust concentrations can induce inflammation of the lungs, reduced lung function and lowered exercise tolerance.

• There is a rare form of rapidly progressing silicosis that is associated with acute silica exposures at very high levels. Controlling the Risks

The selection of controls will depend on the circumstances of the job and should be selected in line with the hierarchy of controls. Typical controls may include:

• Water suppression

• Isolate work away from dust sources unless there is direct involvement.

• Local exhaust ventilation

• Maintain a high standard of general ventilation.

• Provide information to workers on the potential RCS hazards in the workplace.

• Instruction and training with regards to the purpose and correct use of the control measures provided.

• Respiratory protective equipment with particulate filters.

• Supplied air breathing apparatus should be worn for high RCS exposure risk environments.

• Follow good hygiene practices to prevent secondary exposure from contaminated clothing.

What Is the RCS Occupational Exposure Standard (OEL)?

• Occupational Exposure Standard (OEL) are set and maintained by Safe Work Australia.

• The exposure standard for RCS as of 2017

• This exposure standard is currently under review in Australia, and several jurisdictions around the world have already implemented or recommended a reduction of this exposure standard (typically to 0.05mg/m3).

8-hr Time Weighted Average Exposure Standard (TWA)

0.1mg/m3

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Checklist

ELEMENT ITEM COMMENT / ACTION

Assessing the RCS Risk

Has RCS been considered within previous risk assessments conducted on the site?

Has a risk assessment considered the following factors:

a. RCS containing materials being introduced onto the site?

b. Tasks or jobs which will create or increase the amount of RCS in the air?

c. Areas, tasks and roles which have a potential for exposure to RCS?

d. The way RCS and other dust is currently being controlled?

e. The assurance process for checking dust control methods?

Are the controls in place toward reducing exposures across the site applied according to the hierarchy of control?

Is there a plan to reduce exposure to RCS?

Is the summary of control measures recorded in the mine record?

Is PPE being used only as an interim control?

Have the workers been made aware of the risks of RCS:

a. Through induction and refresher training where required?

b. As they relate to specific high-risk tasks, jobs or roles?

c. When the risk has changed due to a change in operations?

STEP 1

Assessing the RCS Risk

Our Self-Assessment Checklist

GCG has created a checklist for you to self-assess your compliance against the new guideline. If you have conducted occupational hygiene monitoring, some of the aspects may be familiar or already in place at your site.

Throughout this checklist, we have made minor adjustments to the terms used to simplify the scientific aspects of occupational

hygiene. Please ensure you refer to the released guideline for the complete details in order to comply with the requirements, as the checklist should only be used as an initial tool for assistance and familiarisation.

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Checklist


Monitoring Worker Exposure

Is there a developed exposure monitoring program which covers the identified exposure risk for RSC and other airborne contaminants?

Has the program been developed with oversight from an occupational hygienist? (Full member of the AIOH or Certified Occupational Hygienist?

Has the person conducting the monitoring completed competency based training that includes:

a. Sampling to AS2985?

b. Data collection during sampling?

c. Equipment calibration and use?

Has the person conducting the monitoring completed the Basic Principles of Occupational Hygiene course or hold an occupational hygiene diploma or higher tertiary qualifications?

Have SEGS (similar exposure groups) been established for the site?

Can it be verified that all sampling is conducted according to AS2985 – Workplace Atmospheres – Method for sampling and gravimetric determination of respirable dust?

Does sampling span the full shift where it is feasible and practical?

Is all sampling equipment tested and calibrated according to AS2985 – Workplace Atmospheres – Method for sampling and gravimetric determination of respirable dust?

Are workers aware of their obligation to inform their supervisor or the occupational hygienist if their sampling has been compromised?

Is adequate information collected for each sample such as:

a. The activities carried out during the work day?

b. The environmental conditions?

c. The production rates for the day?

d. The operating conditions?

e. If a respirator was worn, and if so, what type?

Are all personal exposure samples analysed by a NATA accredited laboratory?

STEP 2

Monitoring Worker Exposure

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STEP 2A

Minimum Sampling Requirements


Minimum Sampling Requirements

Are the workers from the selected SEGs selected randomly on the day of sampling?

Have you undertaken a baseline (“statistical”) monitoring program for RCS with sufficient numbers for each SEG as per below table:

Following completion of the baseline/statistical monitoring program, has statistical analysis been performed to establish the periodic minimum sampling and frequency requirements as per the below table:

NO. OF WORKERS IN GROUP

SAMPLES TO BE TAKEN

≤6 6

7 8

8 8

9 8

10 9

11-12 10

13-14 11

15-17 12

18-20 13

21-24 14

25-29 15

30-37 16

38-49 17

50 18

50+ 22

Checklist

EXPOSURE RATIO

SAMPLES PER 10 WORKERS

>1 1 per quarter

0.5 to 1 1 per six months

0.1 to 0.5 1 per year

<0.1 1 per 3 years

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STEP 2B

Exposure Limits


Exposure Limits

Has the occupational exposure limit (OEL) been adjusted for any work cycles that deviate from:

a. Over 5 shifts a week?

b. Over 8 hours a day?

c. Less than 16 hours between shifts?

Do reports routinely get submitted within 28 days of the exposure monitoring being completed on site?

Is a robust report received which compiles and analyses the data that was collected, comparing the results to the applicable OEL?

Does your process incorporate the investigation of any exceedance in RCS exposure?

Does your process incorporate the communication of the investigation report to your workers and the recording of the report in the mine record?

Does your process ensure that the mines inspectorate is notified Within 28 days of the exceedance?

Does your process trigger a statistical analysis to be conducted every 2 years by an Occupational Hygienist?

Does your process ensure that a robust report is received, reviewed and control measures are implemented for the management of RCS dust?

Does your process allow for periodic risk based monitoring to be designed by an Occupational Hygienist once the baseline monitoring has been completed?

Is your compliance determined by statistical analysis, with the UCL less than the OEL.

Checklist

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ChecklistSTEP 2C

Health Surveillance


Health Surveillance

Has the site established a health surveillance program in consultation with and supervised by a Doctor that meets the competency requirements?

If RCS specific health surveillance is not performed for all personnel onsite, is there a process to determine which workers are required to undergo health surveillance?

Are processes in place to ensure that the requirements of the health surveillance program are conducted?

Is the health surveillance program appropriately resourced (internally and externally) in order to ensure that the requirements are completed?

NOTE: Further evaluation may be required and should be performed in consultation with an appropriately qualified and experienced Doctor.

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ChecklistSTEP 3

Assurance & Keeping Records


Assurance & Keeping Records

Does your process establish an assurance program for oversight over the management of RCS dust including:

a. Has monitoring occurred at the appropriate levels?

b. Have sufficient samples been collected?

c. Occupational Hygienists and technicians hold the appropriate experience and qualifications to conduct the monitoring?

d. Exceedances are managed through investigation and practical controls are implemented as part of the findings?

e. Is health surveillance appropriate for the RCS dust risks at the site are conducted at the required frequency by competent people?

Does your process allow for the keeping of records for 30 years?

Does your archiving process ensure security and confidentiality?

help guide & checklist respirable crystalline silica in

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