When using heavy equipment and utility vehicles for tasks like grading and excavating, it typically doesn't produce levels of respirable crystalline silica dust that pose a hazard.

To ensure safety in accordance with Appendix 4 of the Managing respirable crystalline silica in construction and manufacturing of construction elements code of practice 2022 (PDF, 1.71 MB), WorkCover Queensland recommends the following:

Use suitable engineering controls

Consider the following engineering control options:

• Apply water and/or dust suppressants as needed to minimize dust emissions.
• Operate equipment within an enclosed cabin.
• If workers outside of the cab are engaged in the task, apply water and/or dust suppressants as necessary to minimize dust emissions.

Details of controls: Using water and/or dust suppressants helps reduce exposure to dust when operating heavy equipment or utility vehicles for tasks like grading and excavating. If the equipment operator is alone, the employer can choose to apply water and/or dust suppressants or require the operator to stay within an enclosed cab. If others are present, water and/or dust suppressants must be used to minimize their exposure to airborne dust.

Wet methods:Wet methods for operators of heavy equipment and utility vehicles involve those that suppress dust emissions and are compatible with the task. These include:

• Tank trucks with hoses and nozzles spraying water or dust suppressants over large areas to wet materials disturbed during earthmoving.
• A worker who sprays water or other types of dust suppressants onto materials being moved.
• Large atomized misting devices.
• Spray equipment attached to the vehicle.
• Adjust nozzles so water spray is directed at the work areas where dust suppression is required.
• Time the application of the water or other dust suppressants to ensure the materials are still damp when disturbed.

Water must be applied at flow rates sufficient to minimize the release of visible dust. Too much water can create mud slurry that can cause hazards, while too little water will not effectively control dust emissions.

Operator isolation:When operators rely on enclosed cabs for protection against silica dust, the cab must:

• Be well-sealed and well-ventilated using positive pressure.
• Have door jambs, window grooves, powerline entries, and other joints that work properly and are tightly sealed.
• Have heating and air conditioning so operators can keep windows and doors closed.
• Have HEPA filters fitted to the intake and recirculation air intake.
• Be regularly maintained and cleaned to prevent settled dust from becoming airborne inside the enclosure.

Worker applying water/dust suppressant:When other workers are assisting, water or dust suppressants must be used.

Select appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE)The need for respiratory protective equipment (RPE) depends on:

• The chosen engineering controls.
• The duration of the task during the shift.
• The location of the work.

RPE is generally not required when using heavy equipment for grading and excavating tasks.