Central Coast Respirable Crystalline Silica

Respirable crystalline silica monitoring and risk assessment — protecting worker health and supporting WHS compliance across NSW.

Silica Exposure Monitoring – Central Coast

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a deadly occupational hazard. Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization and Safe Work Australia, there is no known safe level of exposure. Workers across the Central Coast in construction, concrete cutting, manufacturing, civil works, tunnelling, and demolition are particularly at risk.

Under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, all Central Coast businesses and contractors (PCBUs) must:

  • Identify tasks that generate silica dust

  • Conduct exposure monitoring where a health risk exists

  • Implement appropriate control measures using the hierarchy of controls

  • Provide health monitoring for at-risk workers

  • Keep records of assessments, controls, and monitoring results

At Confluence Environmental, we support clients from Gosford to Tuggerah, Umina to Toukley, with expert guidance, monitoring, and documentation to ensure full WHS compliance and protection of your workforce.

Our Silica Risk Services – Central Coast Focused, Legally Compliant

We provide tailored respirable crystalline silica solutions to help you stay compliant with SafeWork NSW and maintain safe working environments across the Central Coast.

Silica Exposure Monitoring (RCS Monitoring)

We perform personal exposure monitoring using calibrated cyclone samplers, flow-controlled pumps, and filters worn by workers during high-risk tasks. All samples are analysed by NATA-accredited laboratories using XRD or gravimetric analysis.

We compare results to the current Workplace Exposure Standard of 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA) and provide:

  • Task-based and shift-based exposure data

  • Identification of overexposure risks

  • Clear reporting with control recommendations

  • Advice on required WHS actions or remediation

Task-Based & Full-Shift Assessment

We monitor silica exposure from activities such as:

  • Cutting bricks, concrete, or sandstone

  • Jackhammering, grinding, or demolition

  • Dry sweeping and concrete batching

Our consultants can monitor single tasks or full shifts to identify high-exposure activities and help you prioritise control improvements. We also design representative sampling programs for variable jobs like roadworks or site preparation on the Central Coast.

Silica Risk Assessments & WHS Documentation

We prepare site-specific silica risk assessments in accordance with SafeWork NSW’s Managing the Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica Code of Practice. Each report includes:

  • Dust-generating activities on your site

  • Existing engineering, administrative, and PPE controls

  • Gap analysis with control hierarchy improvement advice

  • Health monitoring triggers and consultation outcomes

  • Documentation ready for integration into WHS systems, SWMS, tender packs, and audits

Practical Control Advice & Ongoing Support

Our Central Coast team goes beyond monitoring — we help you implement practical, effective dust controls:

  • Selection and setup of wet-cutting systems, extraction tools, or isolation zones

  • PPE recommendations (including P2 respirators) and fit testing guidance

  • Review or development of silica-specific SWMS, SOPs, and induction content

  • Toolbox talks, team briefings, and assistance responding to SafeWork NSW notices

Industries We Support on the Central Coast

We regularly assist:

  • Construction & civil contractors (residential, infrastructure, and commercial)

  • Concrete cutting, bricklaying, and demolition crews

  • Stone benchtop fabrication businesses

  • Waste, recycling, and material handling operators

  • Transport & council-run infrastructure teams

If your work generates dust — silica may be present. We help you understand, monitor, and manage that risk to meet Central Coast WHS obligations.

Why Choose Confluence Environmental?

We are independent occupational hygiene consultants, not aligned with equipment or PPE suppliers — meaning you get unbiased, science-based advice.

  • Local presence across the Central Coast

  • Responsive site attendance and fast reporting

  • Clear communication with actionable outcomes

  • Fully compliant with SafeWork NSW and Australian standards

  • Backed by NATA-accredited laboratory analysis

Servicing the Entire Central Coast Region

Including:

  • Gosford

  • Tuggerah

  • Wyong

  • Umina Beach

  • Toukley

  • Woy Woy

  • The Entrance

  • Somersby and surrounding areas

Need expert advice?

Need to test worker exposure, assess silica risks, or meet SafeWork requirements?

Call 0493 042 642 or book online to request a quote or site visit. We’ll help you assess, act, and stay compliant.

A close up photograph of a demolition saw cutting through concrete, a common source of Respirable Crystalline Silica, which Confluence Environmental is highly experienced in testing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)

Q: What is respirable crystalline silica (RCS)?

Respirable crystalline silica is a fine dust generated when materials containing silica — like concrete, brick, stone, mortar, or engineered stone — are cut, ground, drilled, or crushed. The particles are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other serious diseases.

Q: When is RCS exposure monitoring required?

Monitoring is required whenever there is a risk that worker exposure may exceed the exposure standard. This includes tasks like concrete cutting, grinding, demolition, tunnelling, or engineered stone fabrication. If you're unsure, SafeWork NSW recommends conducting air monitoring to determine actual exposure and verify controls are working.

Q: What is the workplace exposure limit for RCS in Australia?

The current Workplace Exposure Standard for respirable crystalline silica is 0.05 mg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). This is a very low limit, reflecting how harmful silica dust can be. Many high-risk tasks can easily exceed this level without effective dust controls.

Q: How is silica exposure measured?

We measure exposure using personal sampling pumps worn by workers during normal tasks. The air passes through a filter that collects respirable dust. Filters are then sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) or gravimetric methods. Results are compared to the exposure standard and interpreted in a compliance report.

Q: What if silica levels exceed the legal limit?

If monitoring results exceed 0.05 mg/m³, you must:

  • Review and improve control measures (e.g. wet cutting, extraction, isolation)

  • Update your risk assessment and safe work procedures

  • Consult with workers and relevant health and safety representatives

  • Consider health monitoring for affected workers

  • Notify SafeWork NSW (if applicable) and take immediate action to reduce risk

We help you interpret results and implement a compliant response.

Q: Do I need health monitoring for workers exposed to silica?

Yes — if there is a significant risk of exposure, the WHS Regulation 2017 requires you to arrange health monitoring. This may include lung function tests, medical questionnaires, and chest X-rays under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner. We can guide you through this process and help determine when it applies.

Q: Who is responsible for managing silica risk on site?

Under WHS law, the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for managing health risks — including silica exposure. This applies to employers, contractors, site managers, and developers. If multiple duty holders are involved, they must consult and coordinate with each other to meet obligations.