Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a well-known cause of silicosis, lung cancer, and other life-threatening occupational diseases. Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization and Safe Work Australia, there is no safe level of exposure to silica dust.

In Sydney’s construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, tunnelling, and stone fabrication sectors — and across worksites in the Blue Mountains region — workers are frequently exposed to airborne silica when materials like concrete, brick, engineered stone, and sandstone are cut, drilled, ground, or demolished.

Under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, all PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) across Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains are legally obligated to:

• Identify activities that generate silica dust

• Conduct personal air monitoring where exposure is likely

• Implement effective dust control using the hierarchy of controls

• Provide health monitoring for at-risk workers

• Maintain records of risk assessments, monitoring, and control strategies

At Confluence Environmental, we help businesses across Sydney and the Blue Mountains meet these obligations with independent, practical, and science-led silica dust solutions — designed to safeguard worker health and ensure full SafeWork NSW compliance.

RCS Monitoring & WHS Compliance – Our Services

We deliver tailored respirable crystalline silica (RCS) services to help Sydney-based businesses and contractors manage risk and stay compliant.

Silica Exposure Monitoring (Airborne RCS)

We perform personal exposure monitoring using calibrated cyclone samplers, filters, and pumps worn by workers throughout their shift. All samples are analysed by a NATA-accredited laboratory using X-ray diffraction (XRD) or gravimetric analysis.

We compare exposure results against the SafeWork NSW Workplace Exposure Standard (0.05 mg/m³ – 8hr TWA)and provide:

• Clear exceedance analysis

• Task-specific exposure breakdowns

• WHS recommendations aligned with industry best practice

Task-Based & Full-Shift Exposure Assessment

We monitor high-risk silica activities including:

• Brick and concrete cutting

• Mortar mixing and block grinding

• Tunnelling and road sawing

• Stone benchtop fabrication and polishing

We also assess full-shift exposures where multiple tasks are performed or where dust levels vary. This is particularly valuable for dynamic sites like demolition zones, infrastructure upgrades, and roadworks across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

Silica Risk Assessments & WHS Reporting

We develop comprehensive, site-specific silica risk assessments based on your work environment and operations. All documentation is aligned with the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica.

Our assessments include:

• Identification of silica-generating activities and tasks

• Review of existing controls (e.g. dust suppression, LEV, PPE)

• Recommendations for improvement across the control hierarchy

• Health monitoring triggers and WHS consultation outcomes

• Documents prepared for easy inclusion in WHS systems, contractor packs, or tender responses

Control Advice & Implementation Support

We don’t just collect data — we help you act on it. Our consultants provide:

• Recommendations for wet cutting, on-tool extraction, and isolation controls

• Advice on selecting and maintaining PPE and RPE

• Fit-testing support and PPE suitability reviews

• Development of silica-specific SWMS, SOPs, training materials, and toolbox talks

• Support with SafeWork NSW audits, notices, or proactive inspections

Industries We Support Across Sydney & the Blue Mountains

We regularly assist:

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

• Concrete cutting and masonry crews

• Engineered stone benchtop fabricators and installers

• Demolition and excavation contractors

• Manufacturing and waste/recycling operators

• Local councils and government infrastructure teams

If your operations involve dust-generating tasks, silica exposure could be present. We help you understand, monitor, and manage that risk with confidence.

Why Confluence Environmental?

• Independent occupational hygiene consultants — no sales bias or product affiliations

• Based in NSW with strong working knowledge of Sydney and Blue Mountains sites and legislation

• Clear, practical reporting backed by NATA-accredited lab results

• Fast turnaround, professional service, and defensible WHS documentation

• Trusted by builders, councils, contractors, and asset owners across the region

Servicing Greater Sydney & Blue Mountains

Including:

• Sydney Metro

• Western Sydney (Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith)

• Eastern Suburbs & Inner West

• Hills District & South West Sydney

• Blue Mountains (Katoomba, Springwood, Lithgow, Lawson)