Crystalline silica is a hazardous substance found in many individual materials including concrete, bricks, tiles, and engineered stone. Prolonged exposure to silica dust can lead to serious health conditions, including silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As awareness of the dangers of silica exposure grows, governments and regulatory bodies have introduced stricter compliance measures to protect workers from its harmful effects.

What are the New Crystalline Silica Compliance Regulations?

In response to growing concerns over workplace silica exposure, new regulatory changes have been introduced across Australia. These changes include:

Lower Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

Regulatory agencies have significantly reduced the permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica. The new threshold is designed to better protect workers from long-term health risks. In Australia, the exposure standard has been reduced to 0.05 mg/m3 over an eight-hour shift—a substantial drop from previous limits.

Mandatory Air Monitoring

Employers in high-risk industries are now required to conduct regular air monitoring to ensure compliance with exposure limits. This involves measuring silica dust levels in workplaces and keeping detailed records of monitoring results.

Stronger PPE and Ventilation Requirements

Businesses must now implement enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) measures, including respirators with higher filtration ratings. Additionally, improved ventilation and dust suppression techniques must be incorporated into workplace environments to minimise airborne silica.

Prohibition on Certain High-Risk Materials

Some Australian states have introduced bans on high-silica engineered stone, particularly products that contain more than 40% crystalline silica. This is a significant shift for industries such as construction, manufacturing, and stonemasonry, requiring businesses to find safer alternatives.

Stricter Workplace Training and Documentation

Employers must now provide comprehensive silica safety training for workers, ensuring they understand the risks and best practices for protection. Detailed documentation of safety procedures, risk assessments, and control measures is also mandatory under new compliance guidelines.

Why Have These Changes Been Introduced?

The new silica regulations are a response to increasing cases of silicosis, a debilitating lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. Silicosis has been described as the “new asbestos” due to its severe health consequences and the growing number of affected workers.

Key Reasons for the Regulatory Changes

  • Rising Cases of Occupational Disease: The number of silicosis cases has surged, particularly among workers in the engineered stone industry.
  • Scientific Research and Advocacy: Studies have shown that even low levels of silica exposure can cause long-term health issues.
  • Industry-Wide Concern: Calls from health professionals, unions, and advocacy groups have pushed for stronger safety regulations.
  • International Standards Alignment: Australia’s new regulations align more closely with global workplace health and safety standards, reducing legal and health risks for businesses.

What Does this Mean for Businesses?

Companies operating in industries that generate silica dust—such as construction, mining, and manufacturing—must take immediate action to comply with the new regulations. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines and business shutdowns, as well as increased liability for workplace injuries and illnesses.

Key Compliance Actions:

  • Conduct workplace air monitoring and risk assessments.
  • Upgrade PPE and dust suppression systems.
  • Implement better ventilation and containment strategies.
  • Train employees on silica safety and exposure prevention.
  • Switch to compliant spill containment products that reduce silica risks.

Introducing EcoSorb Xtra: A Compliance-Ready Mineral Spill Solution

With the introduction of these new silica safety regulations, businesses must now rethink their choice of spill absorbents. Many traditional ‘kitty litter type’ mineral spill solutions contain high levels of crystalline silica, putting workers at risk of exposure if not used with caution and the necessary PPE.

Why Choose EcoSorb Xtra?

Ecospill’s EcoSorb Xtra is a heavy-duty mineral spill absorbent on the market that fully complies with the latest crystalline silica regulations. It provides an ultra-low dust solution for businesses seeking to protect their workers while maintaining workplace safety.

  • Fast Absorption and Odour Reduction: Quickly absorbs spills while minimising unpleasant odours.
  • Versatile Absorbency: Effectively soaks up oil-based, water-based, and aggressive chemical liquids including Hydrocarbons.
  • Ideal for Windy Conditions: Heavy enough to resist displacement, making it a reliable spill barrier in outdoor and high-airflow environments.
  • High-Performance Wicking Action: Leaves minimal residue for a cleaner surface post-spill.
  • EPA Compliant & Safe Disposal: Passes USEPA 9095a Leachate Test, making it safe for landfill disposal (businesses should check local regulations for specific requirements).

Looking for a 100% Silica-Free Option?
In addition to EcoSorb Xtra, Ecospill also offers a range of organic absorbents that are naturally crystalline silica free, ensuring full compliance with the new regulations. These organic absorbent particulates provide a powerful, environmentally responsible option for hydrocarbon spill response, digestion, and worksite remediation.

Stay Ahead of the Regulations with Ecospill

It is important to take proactive steps to protect your workers, remain compliant, and improve workplace safety. By regularly reviewing your spill kits, and spill kit response training, you’re investing in a safer, cleaner, and more compliant future for your business.

To enquire about our latest organic and mineral absorbent solutions engineered for maximum environmental compliance and zero silica exposure, contact Ecospill for a complimentary workplace spill response assessment, or download our spill kit guide here.

 

> Learn more about EcoSorb Xtra

Safety 101: Testing Emergency Eyewash Stations for Functionality

  • Posted by: Ecospill Spill Kits
Eyewash Station | Ecospill | Spill Kit Training, Products & Services

The presence of hazardous materials and liquid chemicals in your workplace can be quite a challenge because you want to make sure your resources,

employees and your workplace safety should be your topmost priority.

Unlike other workplaces where accidents may not always be a big thing — any accident that may occur in the presence or due to hazardous chemicals needs to be treated and addressed immediately. With this, having emergency management procedures such as emergency eyewash stations can make all the difference.

However, having an eyewash station is not the end all by all. As a company, it is your duty to make sure that these eyewash stations remain functional at all times.

With this, we’ve created a guide on how to test your emergency eyewash station before an emergency occurs! Read more

Choosing the Right Drum Mat Material for Chemical Compatibility

  • Posted by: Ecospill Spill Kits
drum top mat

If you’re handling various chemicals and liquids that may be hazardous to human touch and our environment, you might have known that it is of utmost importance to know how to handle and which materials to use for these chemicals.

Because of that, it’s important that you invest in a proper chemical storage in your business to avoid any type of harm that might happen. And when you already have drum containers, you might also want to have drum mats.  Read more

Understanding the Environmental Impact of Commercial Cleaning Chemicals

  • Posted by: Ecospill Spill Kits
Cleaning Chemicals | Ecospill | Spill Kit Training, Products & Services

When you choose to clean your personal home or your industrial workplace, it is always because you want your environment safe and hygienic.. To do this, most people use various chemicals for cleaning as it helps strip away any dirt and build up on most surfaces.

However, while these cleaning chemicals do work, the fact remains that chemicals usually have adverse effects on in our environment.  Read more

Understanding Silt Socks for Sediment and Pollution Control in Waterways

  • Posted by: Ecospill Spill Kits
Silt Socks - 150mm x 3m | Ecospill | Spill Kit Training, Products & Services

When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your workplace — especially if you work for an industrial company, you’ll realise that more than just the cleanliness of your area and your containment efforts for hazardous chemicals, being able to have clear waterways is one of the most important things to constantly have.

When you undergo construction, industrial work or other land disturbances, it is the integrity of our waterways that makes sure that no sediment build-up happens. This causes inconveniences and problems in the workplace, which is why waterway maintenance is of utmost importance.

With this, silt socks offer a convenient way for you to handle sediment and pollution in both your water and waterway. This tool can easily absorb and filter unnecessary materials, keep your workplace neat and in order, and ensure the operations of your workplace remain smooth and undisturbed. Read more

How to Develop an Effective Spill Containment Plan for Your Workplace

  • Posted by: Ecospill Spill Kits

When it comes to workplace safety, especially if you are in the business of handling hazardous chemicals, taking a proactive approach is always the best course of action.

What is a proactive approach when it comes to workplace safety? It means that aside from being able to handle emergencies when they do happen, you take active precautions to make sure that accidents do not have to happen in the first place — this can be done by setting up preventive strategies, such as a spill containment plan.

A spill containment plan allows you to set up a process in place and train your workforce to be able to handle hazardous spills.

Let’s see what it’s about! Read more

8 Best Chemicals for Effective Floor Cleaning

  • Posted by: Ecospill Spill Kits
Industrial cleaning solutions | Ecospill | Spill Kit Training, Products & Services

When it comes to maintaining your workplace’s cleanliness — being able to use the right cleaning materials does the job well. In houses, this would often mean basic cleaning essentials, with some spaces not even needing any cleaning agents aside from water and a good scrub.

However, if you’re in an industrial field of work where you deal with different hazardous chemicals and waste on a daily basis, you may need effective chemical cleaning materials to get the job done.

With this, we have some of the best chemicals that act as effective cleaning agents to keep your floor and workplace clean, your space kept, and prevent any accidents that may be caused by accident spills.

Let’s see which chemical works best with your workspace!
Read more

Benefits of Silt Fences for The Environment

  • Posted by: Ecospill Spill Kits
Silt Fence 100m Roll | Ecospill | Spill Kit Training, Products & Services

Silt fences or what others call a filter fence at times are fences that are usually used to protect water quality and integrity in construction sites, personal homes and man-made bodies of water. 

These fences have the capability to stop most materials such as dirt and grime, making sure water stays clean and healthy. However, silt fences are underappreciated for one thing: their positive contribution to the environment.

Ready to see  how using silt fences can help you make eco-friendly choices? Let’s dive in! Read more

How to Handle Eye Emergencies Without an Eyewash Station

  • Posted by: Ecospill Spill Kits
Eyewash Units | Ecospill | Spill Kit Training, Products & Services

In areas where the handling of hazardous chemicals and waste is a normal occurrence such as in the industrial field and construction field, the key to staying safe is to always be prepared.

How can you do this? By having spill kits at the ready, preventive measures and processes that everyone is trained in place and having ready eyewash stations for eye emergencies. 

However, while this is the ideal set-up for complete protection in the workplace, we understand that it is not always possible — which is why we’ve come up with ways to help you be prepared in handling eye emergencies without having an eyewash station. Read more

Track Mat 30m Roll | Ecospill | Spill Kit Training, Products & Services

When it comes to construction and landscaping projects, major structural work is the name of the game. It usually involves groundwork, infrastructural work and building stability and safety. 

Because of the heavy lifting involved in construction and landscaping, the risk for accidents are high — which is why you should take measures for the protection, stability and safety of the construction and landscape site and your employees. 

Let’s look into how track mats can help you in your construction and landscaping projects.  Read more