In November 2021, amendments were made to the Victorian OHS Regulations (under Part 4.5) to better protect Victorian workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). In a proactive response to these amendments, ACLCA Victoria has been undertaking a project involving collection and analysis of (RCS) data collected through dust monitoring at drill sites.
Stage 1 of the RCS Project commenced in 2023 and involved monitoring the generation of airborne RCS dust at drilling sites. A summary of this project can be viewed via the News page: here.
Stage 2 monitoring has been conducted at discounted rates by ACLCA member companies (Prensa, WSP and Helia) with experience and capability in this field. ACLCA Victoria have committed $20,000 (ex GST) to the project and would also like to recognise financial contributions made by Star Drilling, Matrix Drilling and South Western Drilling in driving safety excellence in our Contaminated Land industry and for their support to this study.
Stage 2 Study summary:
Stage 2 commenced in 2024 and targeted specific tasks (e.g. drilling, well construction, grout mixing, etc.) conducted within a 8-hr shift, a broader range of drilling methods and a range of contrasting geologies.
- Five drilling events, conducted across eight x 8-hour shifts.
- Monitoring of dust and RCS via boundary monitoring devices (stationary) and personal monitoring devices (on-person, in the breathing space).
- Results of air monitoring were compared to Workplace Exposure Standards (WES), relevant to the protection values of human health for dust and RCS inhalation.
Monitoring results from this project to date indicate there is a potential for RCS to be generated at drill sites at concentrations above 50% of the workplace exposure standard (WES), irrespective of the geological profile or the presence of visible dust.
On this basis, the various drilling activities typically overseen by ACLCA member companies cannot be excluded from being classified as High-Risk Crystalline Silica Work (HRCSW) and therefore the following are recommended for implementation by member companies:
- Adhere to WorkSafe obligations by developing a HRCSW Hazard Control Statement.
- Reduce dust exposure as far as reasonably practicable using the hierarchy of controls.
- Review and update SWMS to include control measures identified to manage RCS exposure.
- Work with drilling companies to ensure the hazard is effectively communicated and the identified control measures are implemented.
Next steps:
- The OH&S Sub-committee will be hosting a forum to allow for open discussion of the RCS data, obligations of member companies, and approaches to the implementation of control strategies – details to follow.