A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is most commonly referred to as a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) in Australia
- A site specific risk assessment was referred to as a Job Safety Analysis (JSA).
- Over time this evolved into a Job Safety and Environmental Analysis (JSEA) at the focus on environmental impacts increased.
- With the change of legislations and Workplace health and Safety (WHS) harmonisation across Australia JSA’s and JSEA’s have evolved to be know as Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
Exposure to Silica Dust at work
You may be exposed to silica dust if your work involves:
- mineral ore-treating processes
- road construction
- bricklaying
- sand blasting or casting
- breaking, crushing, grinding, drilling or milling material containing silica dust such as concrete
- paving, surfacing or cement finishing
- demolition work
- stonemasonery
- manufacture of glass, ceramics, brick, concrete, tile, metals or machinery.
What is silica dust?
Silica dust (crystalline silica) is found in some stone, rock, sand, gravel and clay. The most common form is quartz. Silica dust can also be found in the following products:
When these materials are worked on, silica is released as a fine dust known as respirable crystalline silica or silica dust.
- concrete
- bricks
- tiles
- some plastic material.
- manufactured timber
- stone products (natural and engineered)
- cement
- asphalt
- mortar
- tiles
When these materials are worked on, silica is released as a fine dust known as respirable crystalline silica or silica dust.
Sample SWMS Working with silica and silica containing products
Hazard controls for minimising the risk of Inhalation of Silica Dust may include:
- Wear a dust mask
- DO NOT "clean up" with compressed air or by dry sweeping. Dust should be removed using an industrial HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter vacuum, which should be cleaned and maintained regularly.
- Water should be used through non-electric tools to wet dust down at the point of dust generation
- Use On-tool extraction that fits directly onto the hand-held machine
- Vacuum while drilling
- Empty dust bags regularly. Ensure that disposable bags are tied off to prevent the dust falling out of the bag. If reusable bags are used, then the contents should be emptied into a plastic bag that is tied off before disposal
- Wear disposable clothing at work.
- Before you leave work, shower and change into clean clothes
- Do not take your dusty clothes home to wash
- Use Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and ensure workers fit tested and trained in their use and maintenance
- Wear a P2 half face respirator during cutting and fitted in accordance with the manufacture’s recommendations
- Additional persons in the area whilst cutting must also where a P2 mask if within 3 meters of the cutting area
When you buy or Rent JSEAsy you have access to all of the latest version SWMS templates, for all trades and industries.
Download the JSEAsy latest version SWMS template register.
This is a register sorted by industry type and industry specific of all of the SWMS templates included in the latest version of the JSEAsy Safety Management Software