2.2.4 Detection of silica content
Understanding crystalline silica content in bulk ( slab ) engineered stone products currently relies on composition information provided in manufacturer Safety Data Sheets . These documents may provide silica content as a range and are sometimes prepared for a collection of engineered stones that have differing content , rather than a specific stone product or batch . There is currently no specific technique available to directly determine crystalline silica content in bulk stone materials ( i . e . real-time , direct , nondestructive detection and quantification ). Should a prohibition on use of engineered stone above a specific silica content be introduced , there is a need to investigate novel real-time , direct detection technologies to ensure it is enforceable . Some techniques have been explored for other industries such as mining and defence .
2.3 Duties under the WHS legal framework
Australia has a strong , nationally consistent WHS legal framework to protect the health and safety of workers . This includes ensuring workers are not exposed to any hazards from engineered stone dust . In response to the diagnoses of silicosis in engineered stone workers , the model WHS laws have been amended to remove any doubt in relation to the applicable control measures that must be implemented when working with engineered stone , for example , the prevention of dry cutting . The workplace exposure level for RCS has also been reduced from 0.1 mg / m 3 to 0.05 mg / m 3 ( 8-hour time weighted average ), with Safe Work Australia Members recently agreeing to recommend a further reduction to WHS ministers ( to 0.025 mg / m 3 ). Table 4 summarises the duties applicable to PCBUs , workers and other duty holders , expanded on in Appendix A .
DECISION REGULATION IMPACT STATEMENT Prohibition on the use of engineered stone Page 17 of 107