Comply with the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³)
From 1 December 2026 the 0.05 mg/m³ silica standard becomes a legally binding workplace exposure limit (WEL).
Who must comply
PCBUs with workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica (construction, stonemasonry, mining, demolition, quarrying).
What triggers it
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
When due
From 1 December 2026.
Evidence required
Air monitoring records, control plan, health monitoring records, SDS, worker training.
Max penalty
WHS category 1 — up to $20M / 25 years imprisonment depending on jurisdiction
Effective from
1 December 2026
Summary
From 1 December 2026 the workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica (0.05 mg/m³, 8-hour TWA) becomes a legally binding Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL). The limit value remains 0.05 mg/m³ — a further reduction to 0.025 mg/m³ has been researched and consulted on by Safe Work Australia but is not yet adopted and has no commencement date. Engineered stone fabrication is separately banned (from 1 July 2024). PCBUs must update air monitoring, controls, health monitoring, and worker information.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHManage psychosocial hazards at workWHS duty extends to psychosocial hazards — workload, bullying, harassment, role conflict.
- CWLTHComply with Heavy Vehicle Chain of Responsibility (CoR)Every party in the heavy vehicle supply chain has a positive duty under HVNL.
- CWLTHHold a Construction Induction (White Card) before construction site workAll construction site workers must have completed nationally recognised induction training (CPCWHS1001).
- CWLTHMaintain Hazardous Chemicals Register + manifest (WHS Reg)PCBUs handling hazardous chemicals must maintain a register + (above threshold) a manifest.
- CWLTHAsbestos management — workplace + dwelling rules (state)Asbestos work requires licensed asbestos removalist + asbestos management plan.
- CWLTHHold a High Risk Work Licence for HRWL classesForklift, crane, scaffolding, dogging, rigging, EWP and other high-risk work requires a HRWL.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³)?
- PCBUs with workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica (construction, stonemasonry, mining, demolition, quarrying).
- What triggers the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³)?
- Exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
- When is the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³) due?
- From 1 December 2026.
- What is the maximum penalty for the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³)?
- WHS category 1 — up to $20M / 25 years imprisonment depending on jurisdiction
- What evidence is required for the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³)?
- Air monitoring records, control plan, health monitoring records, SDS, worker training.
Source: https://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/crystalline-silica-and-silicosis. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.