Help ensure compliance & protect your team with this industry-leading SWMS. This Working with Silica Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to help manage the risks associated with silica dust exposure. It outlines common hazard controls, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices to help businesses adhere to Australian workplace safety standards while performing tasks that generate silica dust.
 
Hazards & Control Measures Covered:
1️⃣ Planning & Risk Assessment:
Untrained or Unlicensed Workers: Ensures all personnel have completed training in silica dust awareness and are competent before starting work.
Site-Specific Risk Assessment: Requires the identification and documentation of silica-related hazards before work commences.
Use of Hazardous Materials: Requires Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for materials containing more than 1% crystalline silica.
2️⃣ Silica Dust Exposure & Control Measures:
Elimination of Silica-Containing Materials (SCM): Encourages substitution or alternative methods to reduce exposure.
Engineering Controls: Includes water suppression, local exhaust ventilation (LEV), and vacuum systems to minimise airborne dust.
On-Tool Dust Extraction Systems: Requires power tools to be fitted with dust suppression or extraction systems.
Restricted Dry Cutting & Grinding: Prohibits dry cutting of engineered stone and enforces strict control measures for other SCMs.
3️⃣ Public & Worker Safety Controls:
Exclusion Zones & Barricading: Ensures work areas are clearly marked and access is restricted to trained personnel.
Communication & Signage: Requires warning signs and information sharing with nearby workers and the public.
Protecting Neighbouring Properties: Covers measures for dust control and notifying affected properties.
4️⃣ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE): Requires fit-tested P2 masks or respirators when working with silica dust.
Disposable Protective Clothing: Enforces the use of coveralls, gloves, and eye protection to prevent contamination.
Decontamination of PPE & Work Gear: Covers procedures for cleaning or disposing of contaminated clothing and equipment.
5️⃣ Emergency Preparedness & Response:
First Aid for Silica Exposure: Ensures workers have access to first aid in case of dust inhalation or contamination.
Emergency Response Procedures: Requires a dust control plan and emergency action plan in case of an incident.
Incident Reporting & Documentation: Outlines the process for reporting accidents and exposures to supervisors.
 
Key Features of the SWMS:
Regulatory Compliance: Helps you align with Australian workplace safety laws and silica exposure regulations.
Hazard Identification & Risk Control: Clear strategies to minimise the risk of airborne silica dust.
Emergency Preparedness: Step-by-step response plans for silica-related health concerns.
Fully Customisable Content: Easily editable to suit specific job sites and work environments.
 
Who is This SWMS Suitable For?
This Working with Silica SWMS is essential for:
Construction & Demolition Workers
Concrete Cutters & Drillers
Tilers, Bricklayers & Stonemasons
Tradespeople Handling Silica-Containing Materials
 
Additional Resources:
Included with the purchase is a free copy of our Legislation & Codes of Practice Reference List.
 
Ensure your workforce is equipped with the right procedures for working with silica safely. Download the Working with Silica SWMS today and help maintain a safe and compliant workplace.