Workplace Exposure Limits Transition: Stakeholder Pack Released by Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia has released a stakeholder transition pack to support businesses adapting to updated workplace exposure limits (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica. The pack provides step-by-step guidance for businesses implementing the halved exposure limit (0.025 mg/m³, down from 0.05 mg/m³).
The practical impact: At 0.025 mg/m³, many stone processing operations that were previously compliant with wet-cutting alone may now need supplementary engineering controls (LEV, enclosed booths) or respiratory protection. The transition pack helps businesses understand what additional measures are needed and how to implement them.
What the Pack Includes
- Exposure assessment guide: How to determine if your current controls meet the new WEL
- Control options matrix: A decision tree for selecting appropriate controls
- Implementation timeline: Recommended milestones for transitioning to WEL-compliant operations
- Worker consultation template: How to engage workers in the transition process
- Record-keeping requirements: What documentation you need to maintain and for how long
For a detailed analysis of Australia’s silica regulations, see our Australia Regulations guide.
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