Silica standard becomes a binding WEL (0.05 mg/m³)

What to file

The 0.05 mg/m³ exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica becomes a legally binding Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL). A further cut to 0.025 mg/m³ is only proposed, not adopted.

Who is affected

Any PCBU in construction, mining, manufacturing or stone-cutting whose workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica above the WEL during normal operations.

Penalty if missed

WHS Act Category 1-3 offences — up to $5.34M for body corporates and 5 years' imprisonment for officers; HSR PINs and prohibition notices likely.

Applies to

PCBUs with workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica