Silica Dust Code of Practice commences in the ACT

Silica Dust Code of Practice Commences in the ACT

The Silica Dust Code of Practice for managing silica dust in the workplace now applies across the ACT. Businesses handling silica containing materials must review their current safety practices against this new guidance without delay.

The "Managing the Risks of Airborne Crystalline Silica (Silica Dust) in the Workplace Code of Practice" took effect on 15 November 2023, strengthening efforts to combat silica exposure in ACT workplaces. This document provides practical guidance for employers seeking to protect workers from harmful dust exposure.

What Changed Under the New Code

WorkSafe ACT inspectors have completed specialised training, and the regulator has formed a dedicated team focused on high risk industries working with silica containing materials. This targeted approach signals a stronger commitment to compliance monitoring within the territory.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Commissioner Jacqueline Agius welcomed the code, noting ongoing gaps in workplace safety standards. "We continue to see non-compliance, with failures to protect workers from silica dust. This Code provides businesses with information about what must be done to comply," Ms Agius said.

Why This Code of Practice Matters

Crystalline silica dust poses serious respiratory hazards, particularly in high risk sectors such as construction and manufacturing. Employers must understand their legislative obligations under WHS legislation to keep employees safe and compliant.

Health outcomes for exposed workers depend heavily on early intervention, correct control measures, and consistent oversight from safety-conscious management teams. Organisations should consult resources such as Silica Dust SWMS templates to document safe work procedures accurately.

For further background on the national context behind this regulatory shift, see Australia's first silica dust code of practice commences in Queensland and the related update from Safe Work Australia's new model Code of Practice.

Practical Steps for ACT Businesses

• Review current silica dust management plans against the ACT code of practice requirements
• Ensure staff handling crystalline materials receive appropriate safety training
• Update documentation using resources like a Silica Dust Management Plan
• Assess equipment such as dust extractors referenced in relevant safe work method statements

Businesses should also review broader plant safety obligations, covered in the Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice Update, since silica-generating equipment often falls under both frameworks.

For guidance on broader crystalline silica safety obligations facing employers nationally, refer to our detailed article on managing crystalline silica dust safety.

Read more here.