Silica Testing Services

What is Silica?

Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral found in various materials, including sand, quartz, stone, concrete, mortar, and engineered stone. While it is a common component of many construction and industrial materials, when these materials are cut, ground, drilled, or otherwise disturbed, they can release respirable crystalline silica (RCS) — fine particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. Long-term exposure can lead to serious respiratory diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

When is Silica Air Monitoring Required?

Silica air monitoring should be conducted in any workplace where activities may generate airborne silica dust. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Cutting, grinding, or crushing concrete, stone, or brick
• Tunnelling, excavation, or demolition work
• Mining and quarrying operations
• Fabrication or installation of engineered stone benchtops
• Sandblasting or abrasive blasting operations

You may need to conduct silica air monitoring:

• To assess worker exposure and ensure it remains below the workplace exposure standard (WES)
• To comply with regulatory requirements, such as Safe Work Australia’s model WHS laws or specific state-based legislation
• To evaluate the effectiveness of control measures, such as dust suppression systems or personal protective equipment (PPE)
• After changes to processes or equipment that may affect dust levels
• As part of a health and safety risk assessment or workplace hygiene program

Conducting Silica Testing

1. Silica Air Monitoring

Our comprehensive silica air monitoring services help identify and quantify airborne silica concentrations in your workplace. We use equipment and NATA-accredited laboratories to ensure reliable, accurate results. Our services include:

• Personal Exposure Air Sampling: Monitoring individual worker exposure levels using wearable sampling devices. This ensures compliance with exposure standards and supports health surveillance programs.
• Area Air Monitoring: Measuring general airborne silica concentrations in specific areas to identify high-risk zones and evaluate environmental exposure levels.
• Data Interpretation and Reporting: We provide detailed analytical reports with clear interpretations, exposure assessments, regulatory comparisons, and practical recommendations to reduce exposure and improve workplace safety.

The Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in Australia is:

• • 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour time-weighted average) for respirable crystalline silica

2. Silica Material and Dust Testing

We also offer laboratory analysis for materials and settled dust to determine silica content and assess potential risks:

• Bulk Material Testing: Analyse raw materials such as sand, soil, concrete, and stone for silica concentration.
• Dust Sampling and Analysis: Identify the presence of respirable silica in dust collected from workplace surfaces or air filtration systems.

Why Choose EnviroX Consulting?

• Experienced Team
  Our consultants are specialists in occupational hygiene, environmental science, and workplace safety.
• Regulatory Expertise
  We stay up-to-date with all relevant WHS legislation and guidelines to ensure your compliance.
• Customised Solutions
  We tailor our approach to suit your industry, site conditions, and specific operational needs.
• Commitment to Safety
  We don’t just provide data—we offer practical, evidence-based advice to help you implement effective controls and reduce silica exposure risks.

Protect your workforce. Ensure compliance. Trust EnviroX Consulting.

Ready to schedule silica monitoring or need expert advice? Contact us today to learn how we can help.