When utilizing compressed air or blowers, as a worker, it's crucial to be aware that these methods can stir up settled respirable crystalline silica dust, which, when inhaled consistently, poses potential harm to the lungs.
If finding a safer alternative to compressed air or blowers isn't reasonably practicable, WorkCover Queensland recommends specific exposure controls outlined in Appendix 4 of the Managing respirable crystalline silica in construction and manufacturing of construction elements code of practice 2022 (PDF, 1.71 MB).
Step 1: Use suitable engineering controls
Consider the following engineering control options:
- Isolate the work area.
- Employ physical or temporary barriers, like temporary walls or sheeting, to prevent the spread of contaminated air.
- Use barriers effectively, especially outdoors with natural ventilation, ensuring they prevent dust drift when dust release is controlled.
- Enclose equipment generating respirable crystalline silica dust.
- Provide workers with a separate break room or area away from tasks producing such dust.
- When applicable, work outside following manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring dust doesn't travel towards other workers or premises.
Determine the size of the isolated area based on a risk assessment by a competent person, accounting for prevailing conditions.
Step 2: Select appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
For tasks involving compressed air or blowers, the use of RPE is necessary. The specific type of RPE required depends on:
- The chosen engineering controls.
- The duration of the task during the shift.
- The location of the work.
It's crucial to carefully select the appropriate RPE based on the specific engineering controls in use, the duration of the task, and the work location, as specified by WorkCover Queensland.
RPE is required when using compressed air or blowers.
| Engineering control used | Time spent doing task during shift | |
|---|---|---|
| Equal or less than 4 hours | Greater than 4 hours | |
| Isolate the area (Option 1) | Outdoors P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required | Outdoors P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required |
| Indoors / enclosed area P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required | Indoors / enclosed area P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required | |
For tight fitting RPE, workers must be fit-tested to the specific make and model before using it. See section 7.6 of the Code (PDF, 1.71 MB) for more information on fit-testing and other requirements for using RPE.
Health monitoring
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must provide health monitoring to a worker if their tasks require them to wear RPE 30 times or more in 12 months.