Dust & Respirable Silica Monitoring & Analysis
Great silica monitoring tells you how much respirable crystalline silica (RCS) your workers actually breathe during their day-to-day tasks.
At HSE Australia, we run personal and static air monitoring, and back it with NATA-accredited lab analysis.
HSE Australia can then:
- Confirm exposure levels
- Document compliance
- Tighten controls before silica dust becomes a health issue.
Request a Quote
Please provide us with some details.
What is respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and why is it hazardous?
RCS is the fine fraction of crystalline silica dust that gets deep into the lungs.
Long-term uncontrolled exposure can lead to silicosis, which permanently scars lung tissue and reduces lung function. There’s no cure, so monitoring and control in the workplace are critically important.
Common RCS sources include:
- Dry cutting and grinding of concrete, brick, tiles, and engineered stone
- Crushing and processing rock during mining and quarrying
- Materials like granite, slate, quartzite, and sometimes limestone
What is silica monitoring, and how is it conducted?
Silica air monitoring measures dust exposure in the breathing zone and across work areas, assessing levels both ‘on the person’ and ‘of the environment’.
Our process for air monitoring for silica dust includes:
- Scoping the tasks within your workplace, and identifying who’s most exposed
- Running personal monitoring, where the worker wears a silica dust monitoring “train” to collect respirable particles from the air while they’re working
- Stationary monitoring, by collecting air samples at a predefined location, is also conducted if necessary
- Analysing the samples in a NATA-accredited lab in Adelaide, to quantify respirable dust and silica content
- Clear reporting and practical control guidance and recommendations for the site
What is the difference between silica monitoring and silica testing?
Term | What it means | How it helps |
Silica monitoring | Measuring the airborne exposure during the workday | Provides accurate exposure level data you can act on |
Silica testing | Analysing collected samples to identify silica content | Provides the “what’s in it?” confirmation that supports the monitoring |
Silica monitoring tells us the level of exposure, while silica testing is the lab analysis that confirms the silica fraction.
Dust & silica monitoring in professional environments
If results show elevated risk, we help you to tighten controls. That might mean:
- Engineering controls
- Changes to work methods
- Respirator fit testing as part of your WHS Management and PPE program
Monitoring, Sampling & Analysis of Dust
To get started, request a call-back or book a consultation with HSE Australia.
For assistance with workplace training for those working in high-risk environments, explore HSE Australia bespoke training courses.
Request a quote
Solving problems others find difficult...for clients in
Frequently asked Questions
Health Safety Environment Australia
What equipment is used for respirable silica dust monitoring?
When we conduct silica monitoring at your workplace, you’ll usually see us with:
- Silica dust monitoring devices, like personal sampling pumps and cyclones (worn by the worker)
- Stationary sampling setups for fixed areas, like workshops and factories
- Respirator masks and personal protective equipment
Back in the laboratory, specialised testing equipment is used to analyse and quantify silica content.
When is silica air monitoring required under Australian WHS regulations?
Silica air monitoring is required when tasks in the workplace can generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
In these environments, PCBUs need objective evidence and controls to keep exposure under the workplace exposure limits.
Silica air monitoring is also used when:
- Workplace processes change
- New materials are introduced
- Health and safety representatives request stronger verification
What industries require respirable silica dust monitoring?
High-risk industries for exposure to respirable silica dust include:
- Construction
- Demolition
- Manufacturing and fabrication
- Mining and quarrying
- Any workplace cutting or grinding stone, concrete, brickwork, or tiles
If dust stays airborne and workers can inhale it, silica monitoring should be conducted.
How long does silica air monitoring take?
Most personal silica air monitoring runs for a large portion of a shift or the entire working day, so the results can reflect real exposure.
Some sites choose to do shorter task-based sampling, then follow up across other shifts or days if the work changes.
Lab testing timeframes depend on urgency and sample volume.
One Source Many Solutions
Over the past 15 years we developed the ability to quickly understand and respond to our clients’ needs. We are “solving problems others find difficult…”.
We offer our clients an enviable team of specialists working with associates and other external experts, driving and delivering fit for purpose, tailored single sourced solutions for you.