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Silica monitoring

Helping protect workers from respirable crystalline silica (RCS)

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a fine hazardous dust released when materials containing silica are cut, drilled, crushed, polished or disturbed. These materials are common in New Zealand industries and include concrete, natural stone, sand, mortar, bricks, tiles, ceramics, glass products and engineered stone benchtops. Silica particles are extremely small and can reach deep into the lungs when inhaled. Over time, exposure can lead to serious and irreversible illnesses such as silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney damage.

Workers involved in construction, manufacturing, quarrying, stone fabrication and similar sectors may be exposed to elevated RCS levels. To prevent harmful exposure, it is essential to understand the level of airborne silica generated by each task. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, businesses must manage risks related to airborne contaminants and ensure workers are not exposed above the applicable workplace exposure standard. If exposure levels are uncertain, monitoring is required.

Workplace exposure standards for RCS are reviewed regularly and reflect current scientific understanding. Employers should ensure they are working with the most up-to-date exposure limits that apply in New Zealand.

Silica monitoring

FAQs

  • When is silica monitoring required in a workplace?

    Silica monitoring is required where activities such as cutting, drilling or grinding materials like concrete, stone or brick may generate respirable crystalline silica dust. It is used to assess worker exposure and ensure appropriate controls are in place.

  • How does silica monitoring support compliance and risk management?

    Silica monitoring provides measured exposure data that can be compared against workplace exposure standards. This helps confirm whether risks are being controlled and supports both compliance and informed decision-making on site.

Our approach to silica monitoring and when testing is required

ALS provides silica monitoring services designed to help New Zealand businesses understand, control and manage silica risks. Our assessments support compliance with workplace health and safety obligations and provide clear data for decision making.

Our services include:

  • Personal exposure monitoring using sampling pumps and cyclones worn by workers during normal tasks
  • Area and task-based sampling to identify high-generating activities or poorly controlled processes
  • Laboratory analysis using recognised methods such as X-ray diffraction or infrared spectroscopy
  • Reporting that compares results with New Zealand Workplace Exposure Standards and includes practical recommendations for engineering, administrative and respiratory control improvements.

Silica monitoring is recommended::

  • During or after activities that disturb stone, concrete, mortar or other silica containing materials
  • When new tools, equipment or materials are introduced
  • If workers raise concerns about visible dust or respiratory symptoms
  • When required as part of regulatory compliance or ongoing occupational hygiene programs.

If you are unsure whether silica dust poses a risk in your workplace, ALS can help you assess exposure, confirm compliance and implement appropriate controls to protect your workforce.

 

FAQs

  • What is silica monitoring and what does it measure?

    Silica monitoring involves measuring airborne respirable crystalline silica in workplace environments to assess exposure levels and compare them to relevant exposure standards.

  • Why is silica monitoring important?

    Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause serious long-term health conditions, including silicosis and other respiratory diseases. Monitoring helps identify risks early and supports effective control measures

  • How is silica exposure measured?

    Silica exposure is typically measured using personal sampling equipment worn by workers during their shift, as well as area monitoring where required to assess site-wide conditions.

  • What industries commonly require silica monitoring?

    Silica monitoring is commonly required in construction, quarrying, manufacturing, tunnelling and any industry involving materials such as concrete, engineered stone or natural rock.

  • What happens if silica levels exceed exposure limits?

    If elevated silica levels are detected, control measures must be reviewed and improved. This may include changes to work practices, improved ventilation, dust suppression or the use of respiratory protection.

 
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