Elimination
For the purposes of this Code , elimination means completely removing all exposure to silica dust at the workplace .
For example , a PCBU can :
− − not use engineered stone , or eliminate the need to cut , grind , trim , drill , sand or polish engineered stone during installation
Silica dust will not be generated if the engineered stone installation is completed without further cutting , grinding , trimming , drilling , sanding , or polishing on-site .
Engineered stone that has been completely fabricated in a workshop with no additional cutting or fabrication required on-site poses a minimal risk of exposure to silica dust .
Eliminate the need for cutting , grinding , trimming , drilling , sanding , or polishing during installation by :
−
−
− − accurate measuring – whether by templates , diagrams or infrared measuring devices , eliminating measuring errors will eliminate the need for alterations cutting sink , tap and stove top holes at the fabrication workshop – mark and cut the location and size of holes during the fabrication stage or obtain the sink to ensure it fits before installation returning the slab to the fabrication workshop when alterations , other than minor modifications , are required , and consulting and communicating with principal contractors and clients to prevent alterations on-site .
If elimination is not reasonably practicable , a PCBU should consider the following controls in the order set out below :
− substitute ( wholly or partially ) hazards with something safer , isolate hazards from people and / or use engineering controls to minimise any risks that have not been eliminated − then , use administrative controls to minimise any remaining risks , and − then , use PPE to minimise any risks that still remain .
The control measures a PCBU applies may change the way work is carried out . In these situations , a PCBU must consult the workers and where applicable , their HSR , to develop safe work procedures and provide the workers with training , instruction , information and supervision on the changes .
Further guidance on the risk management process and the hierarchy of control measures is in the Code of Practice : How to manage work Health and safety risks .
Substitution
Substitution is where a different product , chemical or work process is used that is less hazardous and therefore has a lower risk than the engineered stone that was previously used .
Substitution can be an effective way of managing the risk of silica dust . For example , engineered stone can be substituted with a product that contains a lower percentage of crystalline silica such as , wood or laminate .
Care should be taken to ensure any new materials that are substituted do not introduce new hazards such as other hazardous chemicals .
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