There is no cure for silicosis . However , all silica dust-related diseases are preventable through using effective controls throughout the lifecycle of the product to eliminate or minimise exposure to silica dust at the workplace .
Duty holders with a role in managing the risks of silica dust when working with engineered stone include :
− persons conducting businesses or undertakings ( PCBUs ) − officers − designers , manufacturers , importers , suppliers − workers , and − other persons in the workplace .
A person can have more than one duty and more than one person can have the same duty at the same time .
WHS Act section 19 Primary duty of care
When working with engineered stone , a PCBU must eliminate risks arising from exposure to silica dust or , if that is not reasonably practicable , minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable to workers and other persons at their workplace .
The WHS Regulation includes specific requirements for a PCBU to manage the risks associated with hazardous chemicals , including air monitoring and health monitoring ( see Part 3 of this Code ).
• Respirable crystalline silica is classified as a hazardous chemical according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals ( GHS ) and has a workplace exposure standard .
More information about the classification of respirable crystalline silica can be found in the Hazardous Chemicals Information System ( HCIS ) on Safe Work Australia ’ s website .
WHS Act section 20
Duty of persons conducting businesses or undertakings involving management or control of workplaces
The person with management or control of a workplace must ensure , so far as is reasonably practicable , that the workplace , the means of entering and exiting the workplace and anything arising from the workplace are without risks to the health and safety of any person .
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