Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in South Australian Construction

What it is

South Australia adopted the national crystalline silica regulatory reforms through amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA) commencing 1 September 2024. SafeWork SA enforces the framework.

The framework

Regulations 529CA to 529CD of the WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) set the crystalline silica control requirements. High-risk processes include cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding or polishing crystalline silica substances containing more than 1 per cent crystalline silica.

Silica risk control plan

A PCBU must prepare a written silica risk control plan for any high-risk crystalline silica process. The plan identifies the process, hazards, controls and monitoring.

Air and health monitoring

Air monitoring is required where exposure cannot be verified as below the workplace exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m3 for respirable crystalline silica. SA reg 475 (from 1 July 2026) also imposes air monitoring requirements for BOTH Class A and Class B asbestos removal, giving SA a stricter monitoring framework than the model WHS Regulation for related respirable-hazard work.

Health monitoring includes baseline assessments, chest x-rays and respiratory function tests.

Engineered stone ban

The 1 July 2024 national engineered stone ban applies in South Australia.

Interaction with section 30A industrial manslaughter (1 July 2024)

Silica-related deaths caused by PCBU or senior officer conduct can be prosecuted under section 30A industrial manslaughter (from 1 July 2024). The 2024 SA reform package addressed both industrial manslaughter and category offence penalties.

Distinctive SA context

SA's approach to respirable-hazard controls is broader than the model WHS Regulation because of the reg 475 asbestos monitoring requirement (both Class A and Class B). That approach shapes SA's overall respiratory-hazard compliance framework.

Interaction with CBS licensing

Silica framework breaches by a SA building work contractor licensee can trigger CBS disciplinary action alongside SafeWork SA enforcement.

How South Australia compares

SA's 1 September 2024 reforms align with the national timeline. Regulation numbering matches NSW, QLD, WA, TAS, ACT and NT.