What is the workplace exposure standard for crystalline silica?

The workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica is 0.05 mg/m3, measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average under the model WHS Regulations. This was halved from 0.1 mg/m3 on 1 July 2020. A further reduction to 0.025 mg/m3 has been proposed but is not in force, so the duty remains 0.05 mg/m3. Persons conducting a business or undertaking must use the hierarchy of controls — such as water suppression, on-tool dust extraction and ventilation — to keep airborne crystalline silica below the standard.

Is engineered stone banned in Australia?

Yes. The manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone (material containing at least 1% crystalline silica) has been prohibited across Australia since 1 July 2024, and importation has been prohibited since 1 January 2025. You cannot lawfully fabricate, supply or install engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs. Limited activities such as the removal, repair, minor modification and disposal of existing engineered stone are permitted under strict controls. Check the transitional arrangements with your WHS regulator.

Do I need air monitoring for silica work?

Air monitoring is required where you are not certain on reasonable grounds that the exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m3 is being met, or where it is needed to work out whether there is a risk to health (model WHS Regulation reg 50). If results exceed the standard, you must report them to the regulator within 14 days. Air monitoring records must be kept for at least 30 years.

Do I need a silica risk control plan?

If you carry out high-risk crystalline silica work on material containing at least 1% crystalline silica, you must prepare a silica risk control plan before the work starts. This duty has applied since 1 September 2024. For construction work, a safe work method statement (SWMS) that covers the required matters satisfies this requirement. The plan must identify the work, the hazards and the control measures, including air and health monitoring.

When is health monitoring required for silica?

A person conducting a business or undertaking must provide health monitoring to workers carrying out ongoing silica work where there is a significant risk to health from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (model WHS Regulations Part 7.1 Division 6). The business pays for it, monitoring is supervised by a registered medical practitioner with experience in health monitoring, and records must be kept for at least 30 years.

Crystalline Silica Duties Checker (incl. Engineered Stone Ban)

Answer a few questions about your work, and the tool maps your respirable crystalline silica duties under the model WHS Regulations: the exposure standard, whether air and health monitoring are triggered, whether you need a silica risk control plan, and where you stand on the engineered stone ban — with the regulation references for each.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

The workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica is 0.05 mg/m3 (8-hour time-weighted average). The manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone has been banned since 1 July 2024, with importation prohibited since 1 January 2025.

Does the work cut, grind, drill, polish or otherwise process material containing crystalline silica?

Crystalline silica is found in engineered (manufactured) stone, concrete, brick, tile, natural stone, sandstone and many other materials. The silica duties apply where the material contains at least 1% crystalline silica.

Where is the work carried out?

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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Crystalline Silica Duties Checker (incl. Engineered Stone Ban)

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