Use a combination of control measures
A combination of control measures should always be used to control the risk of silica dust when working with engineered stone .
This may include a combination of isolation , engineering controls , work practices and procedures and PPE . For example , a PCBU could consider a combination of water suppression , a LEV system , shift rotation and RPE . It is recommended that with any combination of controls to minimise silica dust , that RPE is provided and worn correctly for the full duration of the task to manage any residual dust .
If a PCBU relies solely on one
control measure such as
PPE or water suppression alone , there may be a significant risk to their workers ’ health and they may be breaching the
WHS laws . It has been shown that solely relying on
PPE or water suppression does not adequately protect workers from the risks of silica dust .
Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace - Code of Practice 43 of 57