We’re going to run you through Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), which is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) which protects people from inhaling substances that are hazardous to their health. These hazardous substances include airborne contaminants such as asbestos, hazardous chemicals and dust, fumes (such as welding fumes), and infectious substances, but you should keep in mind that RPE should also be worn to protect the wearer from low levels of oxygen such as working in confined spaces.
But, before you even get started with RPE, make sure you have other practical control measures in place such as local exhaust ventilation to minimise or eliminate contaminants in the air. Also, keep an eye on your team’s health and workplace conditions to ensure that they aren’t injured or made sick by their work.
We’ve gone ahead and put together a quick guide of factors to consider when providing your workers with RPE.
Types of RPE
Respirators that use filters remove contaminants from the air which the wearer will be breathing. Disposable respirators (often called dust masks) are good for short-term or one-off use and protect the wearer from harmful particles such as dust, fumes, fibres, and biological hazards such as bacteria or viruses.
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) consist of headgear and fan assembly that take contaminated air, filters and removes a sufficient portion of these hazards, and then delivers the clean air to the user. These are also known as positive pressure masks, blower units, or blowers.
Supplied air respirators provide a supply of clean air to the wearer from a source such as an air compressor or cylinder. It’s important to note that the air supply needs to be checked regularly to make sure that it is safe to use.
Using RPE
It’s important for your workers to visually check their RPE for signs of damage before each use so that they can let you know if there are any issues, including whether it needs to be cleaned or decontaminated.
Make sure your team stays safe by keeping their RPE on while working in the hazardous area. Removing it for even a short period of time could be a risk to their health.
If your workers are using RPE that requires a tight fit, make sure that they are checking it properly before entering the hazardous area. There are two fit checks which they need to do:
Keep in mind that if your worker’s safety glasses fog up while they are wearing a half-face respirator, this is a sign that there is a leak at the top of the respirator.
Life Shavers: shaving your beard could save your life
When your workers are wearing respiratory protective equipment at work, they should be clean shaven to ensure it is forming a seal and protecting them from breathing in hazardous materials. Even a small amount of stubble can prevent RPE from sealing correctly which means your workers will still be inhaling harmful materials which may cause health concerns. A clean shave goes hand in hand with the correct RPE for the job.
It’s your responsibility to monitor your workers’ health. Make sure that you are completing regular Site Reviews on the HazardCo App, as this will help you to identify potential hazards and put effective plans in place.
In light of the recent changes to Australia’s industrial manslaughter laws, we sat down with Glenn, one of our HazardCo Health and Safety (H&S) experts to break down what these laws mean for building companies and tradies.
Q: Glenn, what exactly is industrial manslaughter?
Glenn: Industrial manslaughter is a big deal because it means that if a business owner or someone in charge of a worksite doesn’t take safety seriously, and it leads to a worker’s death, they could be held legally responsible. It’s about accountability. If you knew—or should’ve known—that what you were doing (or not doing) could seriously harm someone, and it ends up causing a death, then we’re talking about industrial manslaughter.
Q: So what’s new with these laws? How are they different from before?
Glenn: The big change here is that industrial manslaughter is now a criminal charge—meaning individuals can face serious charges, and potentially be convicted and face prison time if found guilty. It’s a clear message that safety is non-negotiable. With South Australia and NSW putting in place industrial manslaughter laws this year, and Tasmania pending, they will soon be nationwide.
Q: Who does this law apply to? Is it just for business owners?
Glenn: While business owners are definitely in the spotlight, this law can apply to anyone who has a duty of care on a worksite. So if you’re in a position where you’re responsible for other people’s safety, and your negligence causes a fatality, you could be held accountable. It’s not just about the big bosses; anyone with responsibility for safety needs to be on their game.
Q: Can you give us some examples, Glenn, of how this duty of care might play out on a construction site?
Glenn: Absolutely. In construction, there are plenty of scenarios where this duty of care comes into play. For example, if a site supervisor gives wrong information, tools, or instructions, and a worker is killed, that site supervisor could be facing a charge of industrial manslaughter. It’s the same for contractors—say one builds faulty foundations, and someone ends up getting hurt or worse, that contractor could also be held responsible. And it doesn’t stop there; the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) might also be on the hook if they didn’t have solid processes in place to ensure the build was up to standard.
Q: What constitutes industrial manslaughter, Glenn? What are the criteria for being charged?
Glenn: To be charged with industrial manslaughter, a few key things need to line up.
First, you have to be a PCBU or an officer of the PCBU.
Second, you must have engaged the individual to work on your site.
Third, you need to be aware of the safety risks they were exposed to.
Fourth, you didn’t do anything about those known risks—whether it’s changing, communicating, or documenting them.
And finally, a fatality has to occur as a result of those risks that you were aware of and failed to address. The main thing that really seals the deal here is what’s called “gross negligence.” Legally, it means that if you have a duty of care, know about a risk, and don’t take action, it becomes much easier to prove negligence. It’s not just about being aware of the risk; it’s about failing to act on it.
Q: This all sounds pretty serious, Glenn. Should businesses be worried?
Glenn: It’s serious, but there’s no need to panic if you’re doing the right thing. The key takeaway is that these laws are here to protect workers. If you’re following safety protocols, keeping your worksite safe, and not cutting corners, then you’re on the right track. The law is only a threat to those who ignore their responsibilities. It’s about doing what’s right, not just for the law, but for the safety of everyone on site.
Q: What steps can businesses take to avoid being charged with industrial manslaughter?
Glenn: There are five simple steps that can really help you stay on the right side of the law—and more importantly, keep everyone safe.
- Make sure you have a Site Specific Safety Plan for each of your sites, and capture all known risks in that plan.
- Ensure that everyone working on the site is properly inducted and that you have copies of their white cards.
- Collect signed, site-specific Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for each High-Risk Construction Work activity.
- Regularly conduct hazard and site reviews to catch risks before they cause harm.
- Hold regular toolbox meetings to talk with your workers about safety. By doing these things, you’re not just ticking boxes; you’re actively working to prevent fatalities and staying clear of those heavy-duty charges.
If you have any questions get in touch with the HazardCo team today
You’re probably across the recent engineered stone ban, but did you know SafeWork Australia has just come out with new rules to further protect workers from crystalline silica found in other building materials? These new rules begin on 1st September this year and apply to all states except Victoria whose rules are already in place.
Crystalline Silica Substances (CSS) include stuff like sand, stone, concrete, and mortar that contain at least 1% crystalline silica. When you cut, crush, drill, polish, saw or grind these materials, they release tiny dust particles called respirable crystalline silica (RCS). These particles are so small they can get deep into your lungs, which can lead to serious health issues, like silicosis—a lung disease.
What you need to do:
Risk Assessment
If silica dust is generated, assess if the work is high-risk. Document this using the handy Form in the HazardCo Hub, and if you determine the work is not high risk, you must explain why. If you’re unsure, assume it is high-risk. When assessing if processing CSS is high risk, consider these factors:
-
- The process
- Type and amount of silica (you can find this on the safety data sheet or product information sheet)
- Exposure duration
- If the work exceeds half the exposure standard (likely examples include grinding concrete, cutting concrete or bricks, jackhammering concrete or sandstone, and tuck-point grinding)
- Previous monitoring results
- Any past incidents or health issues related to silica dust
Put control measures in place (this applies to both low risk and high risk work)
Eliminate or minimise the risks from processing the CSS as much as possible and use at least one of the following measures during the processing:
- Isolate workers from dust exposure
- A fully enclosed operator cabin fitted with a high efficiency air filtration system
- An effective wet dust suppression method
- An effective on-tool extraction system
- An effective local exhaust ventilation system
If workers are still at risk of being exposed to silica dust after you’ve put one or more of the above controls in place they need to be provided with respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and wear the respiratory protective equipment while the work is carried out.
If you think it’s high-risk work:
Silica risk control plan
Avoid high-risk tasks when possible. If unavoidable, create a silica risk control plan outlining tasks, risks, and controls. This plan must be developed with workers, shared with them before starting work, and regularly reviewed for effectiveness.
What needs to be in a silica risk control plan?
- The processes you are doing that are high risk
- A copy of the information used to assess the risk
- What control measures will be used to control the risks and how those measures will be implemented, monitored and reviewed
Keep it simple and easy to understand—no need for lengthy explanations.
We suggest using the SWMS tool in the HazardCo App if the processing creates a contaminated atmosphere or involves high-risk construction work. Just ensure all the Silica Control Plan requirements are covered.
Training
Ensure that any worker involved in or at risk of RCS exposure due to high-risk CSS processing receives crystalline silica training. This training must be nationally accredited or approved by the WHS regulator and should cover health risks and the correct use of control measures.
Air monitoring
Conduct air monitoring if you’re unsure whether silica levels exceed the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) or need to assess if there are health risks from RCS processes. Hire a certified expert like an occupational hygienist, to perform the monitoring and ensure it meets standards. If levels exceed limits, report it to the Regulator within 14 days. Keep records for 30 years and make them available to affected workers.
Health monitoring
Provide health monitoring for workers at significant risk from ongoing silica exposure, including those near high-risk processing. Keep records for 30 years and give a copy to the worker.
Review controls
Regularly review safety measures, especially after workplace changes.
If you need guidance, reach out to our advisory team at 1800 954 702 for assistance.
HazardCo understands that on-site first aid is about more than just sending someone on a course every few years. As an employer or principal contractor on-site, you have a legal and moral obligation to make sure your team has access to first aid equipment and facilities, as well as access to trained first aiders.
To determine the necessary level for your workplace, assess the site by considering:
- The type of work being done
- Identified hazards
- Site size and location
- Number of people on-site and any vulnerable workers
- Conduct a first aid risk assessment to identify facilities, equipment, and training..
Don’t forget to involve your workers in the process and if you are working with multiple trades, or are the principal contractor, you should share information and work together cooperatively.
First Aid Kits
Having a first aid kit on a construction site is essential to quickly address injuries and medical emergencies. Great kits can be sourced from many places – a basic kit should include equipment t to tend to:
- cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes, and splinters
- soft tissue sprains and strains
- minor burns
- broken bones
- eye injuries
- shock
Basic first aid kits are not always enough given the nature of construction work and increased risk of eye injury, cuts, falls etc, so you’ll need to consider what other equipment to add e.g. eye pads, eyewash, additional dressings and bandages.
Include your team and see if they think your first aid kit is sufficient for the site hazards and team size… and make sure they know who the trained first aider is and where the first aid kit is kept! It helps if your first aid kit is clearly labeled and is made from a material that can protect the contents from dust, moisture and contamination.
Lastly, assign someone to be in charge of replenishing the kit. Make sure this happens regularly and keep a list of what’s supposed to be in the kit to make topping it up easier. At the same time, check training is up to date for your first aiders, and if your team size has changed, whether you still have enough team members trained in first aid.
Keeping first aid up to date is the right thing to do by your team, so make sure you’ve got things covered and that you’re all prepared if any sort of injury takes place.
If you have any questions please contact the HazardCo team today.
Did you know that if you’re carrying out renovation work the same risks apply as a new build? Whether you’re carrying out extensions, renovating, flood remedial work, large landscaping jobs or you’re engaging contractors for the work, HazardCo have you covered.
You will firstly need to think about how you will manage health and safety on-site and how you will communicate this with other people involved in the build, such as the homeowner, or other contractors on-site. This will ensure that everyone is on top of the site hazards and practicing good health and safety during your build.
HazardCo Projects
A HazardCo Project is ordered for each significant job, such as a new house build or large renovation. They contain site-specific resources for that job, including:
- A site specific safety plan (SSSP)
- A site specific Hazard Board
- Site specific QR code for inductions on first visit and scan in/out there after
- Resources to help you manage your on-site health and safety
- Project overview in the ‘HazardCo HUB’ for real time on site activity
- Ability to upload docs to be visible on the HazardCo app when workers scan into site.
How can you determine whether you need to order a HazardCo Project?
Have a read of the following 5 areas, if you meet these requirements a Project could be needed.
- Are you the principal contractor? – The principal contractor is the one that creates a Site Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) and this should be consulted and shared with all workers, including contractors involved in the work. This will ensure workers are aware of the risks and hazards that are involved in the job at hand. Throughout the job, there should be ongoing communication between all parties, and the risks reviewed regularly on-site. For more information around responsibilities check out our blog.
- The cost of the project – Depending on the State/Territory you operate in, if your construction project is over a certain financial threshold, then a SSSP is actually a legal requirement. With the exception of Western Australia, where a SSSP is legally required where 5 or more persons are likely to be working at the same time on the project.
- Will you be engaging contractors? – If contractors are going to be engaged in the work, then a Project will likely be needed, but this also depends on the type of work and length of the job. So if you’re unsure, just give us a call and we will be happy to assist.
- Will you be making any structural changes? – Ordering a project and setting up a SSSP will help identify the controls that will be put in place to manage risks. Generally this type of work can take time, and therefore we recommend ordering a Project and using the HazardCo App to assist your health and safety needs on-site.
- How old is the building? – Any property built before the year 2003, could contain asbestos. Creating a SSSP helps identify the controls that will be put in place to manage this risk. We also recommend that all trades complete an asbestos awareness course.
Even if none or only some of the above 5 areas apply, the HazardCo app and hub can still be used effectively outside of ordering a project. So keep reading.
Using HazardCo to manage health and safety
We recommend that you use the HazardCo App and Hub to manage your on-site health and safety. Here are our tips to get the most out of the HazardCo system:
- Workers should complete a Risk Assessment on the HazardCo App prior to starting work to make sure their work area is safe and the risks are being managed.
- Monitor works occurring on-site using the Site Review feature on the HazardCo App and identify any areas for improvement.
- Due to the nature of renovation work it is important that you consider noise and dust (examples; asbestos, silica and wood) and how you control these risks. For high risk construction work, use the SWMS feature in the HazardCo App. Ensure everyone involved is consulted during the preparation of the SWMS and have read, understood, and will follow the directions provided. You can find out more information on completing SWMS by clicking here.
- Share and capture what’s happening on-site, and upcoming works with workers through the Toolbox Meeting feature on the HazardCo App. This demonstrates good consultation and communication with your team.
- Record incidents on-site using the HazardCo App. Any incident, illness or near-miss can be recorded. Check out the HazardCo Hub for your Incident Register which gets automatically updated when you log incidents using the HazardCo app.
- Use the task function to report hazards and track health and safety actions.
- If you have people living on-site during the renovation work, you should be setting your health and safety expectations from the start. There is an easily editable Client Health & Safety Requirements letter in the Hub you can tailor to your job. This outlines your site requirements on keeping the homeowners safe during and outside of working hours.
- As part of your membership, you have 24/7 incident support and general support during business hours via 1800 954 702.
Lastly, sometimes renovation projects can be unique and you may still feel unsure about whether you should order a project or how the HazardCo system can help you to manage Health and Safety effectively. So give us a call and we can chat about your upcoming works and how HazardCo may work best for you. So don’t be shy – get in touch with us and we’ll help you make your site a safer one.
Maintaining clean amenities is just as important as keeping your site nice and tidy. Employers have a duty to provide adequate workplace amenities/facilities, including toilets, that are in good working order, clean, safe and accessible.
Not meeting these requirements can lead to a risk of infection, disease, psychosocial harm or infringements/enforcement from the Regulator. Regulators often actively check work sites to ensure workers have access to clean and safe amenities.
When planning amenities on your site, consult with your workers to understand what will be needed. Getting them involved will give you the opportunity to provide information, training and instruction on things like keeping the site amenities clean and reporting any problems.
Portable Toilets
More often than not portable toilets are not maintained in a safe or hygienic way. Employers must make sure that toilets are cleaned and serviced regularly, and, just like plant and other on-site equipment, safe to use and operated the way it was designed to be used.
Toilets should also:
- Be fitted with a hinged seat and lid
- Be provided with a door that can be locked from the inside
- Have enough water for flushing and washing hands
- Stocked with toilet paper, rubbish bins and hygienic means to dispose of sanitary items
- Supplied with soap or a suitable alternative such as alcohol based sanitiser
Don’t forget, the toilet should be easy to access in all weather conditions and be placed on stable, flat ground to ensure it can operate properly.
Drinking water
Clean drinking water must be supplied to workers by installing site water taps as early as possible. If the mains have not been connected, provide workers with drinking water in containers, coolers or flasks.
Meal and shelter facilities
Workers should have a clean and weatherproof area for meals and rest breaks. Using the garage or a similar sheltered area can be used and be set up as soon as possible. If they aren’t available on-site, workers should be given enough time on their breaks to access eating facilities off-site. Facilities should also include:
- Adequate seating
- Hygienic surfaces for meals
- Rubbish bins and arrangements for regularly disposing rubbish and waste materials
In the early stages of construction a worker can use their vehicle for shelter until a suitable area becomes available.
As always, if you have any questions please give our team a call on 1800 954 702 or contact us.
It’s important for young people starting out in construction to understand how to stay safe at work. Young workers lack experience and might not know about all the hazards yet, which could put them in danger of getting hurt. Sometimes young people might feel like they have to impress others, or they might think they’re better at the job than they actually are, they may also forget about safety rules or be afraid to speak up if something seems unsafe. Because of this young workers have additional needs and should be supervised when working on-site.
Positive safety culture onsite comes from the top down, supervisors should be actively modeling and training young workers about safety rules, make sure they have the right gear, and encourage them to speak up if they see any problems.
There are some jobs that young workers shouldn’t do because they might not have enough experience or strength yet. Supervisors need to make sure young workers can handle their tasks and keep an eye on them until they are sure they are able to do the work safely. Young workers also need to think about their own safety, listen to instructions and follow safety rules.
When everyone works together to stay safe, it helps make sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.
Now, let’s delve deeper into some specific measures that can be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of young workers in the construction industry:
- Comprehensive training: Employers should provide thorough training. This training should cover specific job duties and safety procedures, hazard identification and emergency protocols. By giving young workers the necessary knowledge and skills, employers can empower them to work safely and confidently. Basic health and safety should be incorporated into their training from the start, and ongoing support should be provided to address any gaps in understanding. Regular check-ins to gauge their comprehension and comfort with procedures and equipment are essential.
- Clear communication: Good communication is key to creating a safe work environment. Employers should clearly communicate safety expectations and procedures to young workers, making sure that they understand their responsibilities and know how to respond in different situations. Young people often have fresh perspectives and questions that can lead to improvements. Encouraging them to voice their ideas can contribute significantly to a safer workplace for everyone.
- Supervision and mentorship: Experienced workers can play a vital role in guiding and mentoring on construction sites. Assigning a mentor or supervisor to oversee the work of young workers can help prevent incidents and ensure that tasks are completed safely and correctly. This also provides young workers with an opportunity to learn from experienced builders and develop their skills over time.
- Lead by example. Supervisors play a critical role in ensuring workplace safety. They should actively monitor work practices, correct unsafe behaviors, and be available to answer questions. Providing ongoing support and guidance to supervisors, especially if they are also young workers, is essential for maintaining a positive safety culture.
- Regular safety inspections: Regular inspections of the work site should be conducted to identify and address any safety hazards or potential risks. Employers should involve young workers in these inspections, encouraging them to participate in hazard identification and risk assessment. By regularly assessing and addressing safety concerns, employers can create a safer work environment for all employees.
- Ongoing education and support: Safety education should be an ongoing process for young workers in the construction industry. Employers should provide regular opportunities for training and development, keeping young workers informed about new safety regulations, procedures, and best practices. Additionally, employers should offer support and guidance to young workers as they navigate their roles and responsibilities in the workplace.
- Create a positive culture: Creating a positive safety environment involves more than just having policies in place. Supervisors should consistently reinforce safety practices and lead by example by wearing personal protective equipment. Implementing a buddy system can also provide additional support to young workers, allowing them to learn from experienced colleagues while fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.
Employing young workers in the construction industry has benefits for the young person, the company and for the industry as a whole as the next generation of builders learn and grow into future roles. By prioritising safety and investing in the well-being of young workers, employers can create a culture of safety that benefits everyone involved. Together, we can build a safer and more secure future for the next generation of construction workers.
If you have any questions, get in touch with the HazardCo team today
Tools, vehicles, and heavy equipment all create vibrations that can affect your body. This is a normal part of any tradie’s day, whether you’re picking up power tools or jumping in the ute. It’s so common that many don’t realise the potential harm these vibrations can cause. However, it’s something you should start thinking about and being aware of.
How are workers harmed?
Vibrations are a natural part of working on any construction site but they do create a risk to you and your workers. Repeatedly using vibrating hand and power tools, or being around vibrating vehicles and machines can lead to serious and lasting harm to your blood vessels, nerves, and joints. Many of the most commonly used items give off some form of vibration. Here are the most common ways tradies are exposed to vibrations:
- Power tools
- Vehicles and machinery
- From our working surfaces being exposed to vibrations (including break or smoko areas)
While these are the most common forms of exposure, the below should also be considered as they increase the risk of overexposure to vibrations:
- Working in cold and damp conditions
- Increased grip force
- Working with power tools for extended periods
Early warning signs
We understand that for many tradies, working with vibrations is a natural and unavoidable part of the job. With that in mind, there are a few warning signs and symptoms of overexposure to keep an eye out for:
- Tingling and numbness in your fingers (which can lead to disruptions to your sleep patterns – not ideal!)
- Loss of feeling in your fingers
- Loss of strength, both grip and holding, in your hands
- Fingers turning white and red when working in cold/ wet conditions
If you are continually exposed to vibrations especially in your hands and arms you can develop hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
What you can do to manage risk
It is up to everyone on-site to look out for each other. Consultation with your team should take place to make sure an environment can be created where excessive exposure to vibrations are eliminated or minimised.
Below are simple yet effective ways to either eliminate or minimise the effects.
- Use suitable low vibration power tools where possible
- Use the right tool for the job – don’t use a power tool to get the job done faster when it is not required. Enjoy the task, don’t rush
- Look after your tools, vehicles and machinery – get them serviced regularly, repair any breaks or faults as soon as possible and store them properly – keep them out of the cold and rain
- Avoid gripping or being too forceful with a tool
- Keep your body moving and take a break if needed
- Wear the correct equipment and clothing
Above all else, be aware that vibrations can be extremely harmful, especially when you’re exposed for lengthy periods of time.
Your best tool for minimising the effects of vibrations is to start a conversation with your boss, or your team, and put steps in place to look out for each other and your equipment.
If you have any questions please reach out the the HazardCo team
Engineered stone ban summary
Updated on 26 August 2024
On 1st July 2024 an engineered stone ban will take effect in all states and territories. The ban prohibits the use, supply, manufacture, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, slabs or panels.
Further information is yet to come on:
- Notifying the regulator when you’re working with already installed engineered stone products.
- A stricter exemption process for engineered stone products to be excluded from the ban if there is strong evidence they can be used safely in exceptional cases.
New crystalline silica regulations
Until now, the focus has been on engineered stone, however crystalline silica can be found in many other building materials. It has just been announced from 1st September 2024 changes to the crystalline silica regulations will be made to further protect workers.
This includes working out if the processing of the crystalline silica substance is high risk and putting in place additional control measures if it is. Read our summary of the Crystalline Silica rules.
A new Code of Practice will be released in all states to reflect these changes. During its development, Safe Work Australia will provide guidance to help businesses and workers understand and comply with the new regulations.
Engineered stone FAQ
What is engineered stone?
Engineered stone is an artificial product that:
- Contains 1 per cent or more crystalline silica, determined as a weight/weight (w/w) concentration; and
- Is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents such as water, resins or pigments; and
- Becomes hardened.
What’s not included under the definition of “Engineered stone”?
- Concrete and cement products
- Bricks, pavers, and other similar blocks
- Ceramic wall and floor tiles
- Sintered stone
- Porcelain products
- Roof tiles
- Grout, mortar, and render, and
- Plasterboard.
Is there a transitional period?
- ACT, QLD and VIC – No transitional period.
- NSW, SA, WA, NT and TAS – Transitional period until 31st December 2024.
- If a contract was entered before 31st December 2023, the work is exempt from the engineered stone prohibition as long as the work is completed by 31st December 2024.
What about already installed engineered stone?
If you need to repair, remove, dispose of or make any minor modifications after 1st July 2024, you will need to notify your state regulator first. Notification forms will be available from your state regulator along with any other specific information such as timeframes and re-notification requirements.
VIC – A licence is no longer needed to work with engineered stone from 1st July 2024 and no notification will be required to work with already installed stone.
NSW, SA, WA, TAS, QLD – Notification forms will be available from your state regulator before 1st July 2024 and you will need to submit the form before starting any work.
NT – Written notification will be required every 12 months. The form will be ready before 1st July 2024.
ACT – Notification is required from 1st November 2024 and you will only need to notify once.
Remember, before starting any of the work you must have control measures in place to minimise the dust and you must wear respiratory protection.
Creating a SWMS in the HazardCo App can help you with selecting the right controls for the task such as using water suppression or on-tool dust extraction, and a minimum P2 dust mask or respirator.
Are there any alternatives out there?
There are plenty of silica-free options out there to suit every budget such as timber, stainless steel, and laminate options have come a long way, such as these Contact Sheet options from Laminex.
Resource links
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/esban
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/esban/faq
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions-engineered-stone-ban
Work Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation Ministers’ Meeting – 10 May 2024 – Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government (dewr.gov.au)
Information correct as of: 24th June 2024
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is essential gear for protecting you from inhaling hazardous substances. In this blog, we’ll explore the important role of RPE, whether you are dealing with airborne contaminants like asbestos, fumes, dust, or working in a confined space, RPE is an essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that makes sure you can breathe safely. Join us as we deep dive into the different types of RPE, their applications, and how they can protect you from potential health risks.
Before you even get started with RPE, make sure you have other practical control measures in place first; such as local exhaust ventilation or direct dust-extracted tools with a vacuum catchment to get rid of the majority of contaminants in the air. You should also be keeping an eye on your team’s health and workplace conditions to ensure that, over time, they aren’t being made sick or getting injured by their work.
Remember, there is no such thing as a healthy dust, even if you are outside!
We’ve gone ahead and put together a quick guide of factors to consider when providing your workers with RPE.
Types of RPE
Disposable respirators are good for short term or one-off use and when you have existing controls in place to give you extra protection. When using a disposable respirator you need to make sure a seal has been created to protect you from harmful particles such as dust, fumes and fibres.
Respirators use replaceable filters to remove contaminants to clean the air for the wearer. They come in half-face and full-face versions. The cartridge filters are specific to certain types of contaminants, ask your manufacturer exactly which cartridge you should be using for the respirator you have and the contaminants you will be facing.
Remember if you have stubble or any facial hair you may not be getting the seal and the protection you think you are! So if you love your bread as much as your lungs read on to find out what you can do
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) consist of headgear and fan assembly that take contaminated air, filters it, and then delivers the clean air to the user. These are also known as positive pressure systems. These not only keep you nice and cool, but offer the highest protection there is for people who have facial hair. Something to note with these is that the visors and headset can be impact rated if you need it, and don’t fog up because of the airflow.
Supplied air respirators provide a supply of clean air to the wearer from a source such as an air compressor or cylinder. It’s important to note that the air supply needs to be checked regularly to make sure that it is safe to use – just think about what you see coming out of your air compressor when you release the valve under the air tank! The user must also be trained in how to use the system.
Using RPE
It’s important for your workers to be trained in using and maintaining their RPE. They should visually check their RPE for signs of damage before each use to identify any issues, including whether it needs to be cleaned or decontaminated.
Make sure your team keep their RPE on while working in the hazardous area. Removing it for even a short period of time is a risk to their health.
Did you know that they come in different sizes? One size does not fit all!
If your workers are using RPE then make sure they are fit tested, this way you will know who needs what size, otherwise it may not work and give the protection your workers need.
The manufacturer of the RPE can tell you who can do this testing.
There are two checks which you need to do each time you use and RPE:
1 – check for damage visually to the sealing surfaces and straps
2 – check the valves are functioning correctly like WorkSafe images below
Image Source: Worksafe New Zealand
Keep in mind that if your worker’s safety glasses fog up while they are wearing a half-face respirator, this is a sign that there is a leak at the top of the respirator which means they are not getting full protection.
Life Shavers: Shaving your beard could save your life
When your workers are wearing respiratory protective equipment at work, they must be clean shaven to ensure it is forming a seal and protecting them from breathing in hazardous materials. Even a small amount of stubble can prevent RPE from sealing correctly which means your workers will still be inhaling harmful materials which may cause health concerns. A clean shave goes hand in hand with the correct RPE for the job.
It’s your legal responsibility to monitor your workers’ health. Make sure that you are completing regular Site Reviews on the HazardCo App, as this will help you to identify potential hazards and put effective plans in place. Your HazardCo Advisory Team is available throughout the day to guide you through this – call 1800 954 702 to talk it over.
Image source WorkSafe
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