- noellie@2hem.com.au
Protecting workers from respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure is now one of the most important WHS priorities in NSW.
From 1 October 2025, NSW employers must register any worker performing high-risk crystalline silica tasks under the new NSW Silica Worker Register.
As silica regulations tighten across the state, businesses that handle silica-containing materials through cutting, crushing, grinding or drilling must ensure full silica compliance, including accurate silica dust monitoring.
Conducting a thorough silica risk assessment helps determine which workers are legally required to be registered.
Our specialist team provides professional silica dust testing, personal exposure monitoring and workplace risk assessments for businesses across Wagga Wagga, Albury, the Riverina region, Southern NSW, Victoria and the ACT, including Canberra. We help you meet your WHS duties, protect your staff and avoid costly penalties.
RCS is the hazardous fraction of silica dust small enough to reach the deepest part of the lungs. It is generated when materials containing crystalline silica are disturbed.
In Wagga Wagga, Albury and the Canberra Region, with our strong construction, manufacturing and agricultural industries, the risk of silica exposure is significant. This makes routine testing and monitoring essential.
Source materials for respirable crystalline silica particles include:
Personal Silica Exposure Monitoring
We measure the respirable crystalline silica exposure of individual workers during normal tasks using specialised sampling pumps and cyclones.
Static Air Monitoring
Ideal for high-risk work areas, workshops, cutting zones and fixed equipment.
Baseline Periodic Monitoring Programs
For businesses needing ongoing compliance under NSW Work Health and Safety Regulations.
Silica Dust Risk Assessments
We assess your processes, controls, ventilation and housekeeping practices to identify exposure pathways.
Control Measure Evaluation
We test the effectiveness of engineering controls such as water suppression, extraction systems and PPE.
Comprehensive WHS Reporting
Our reports are clear, concise and compliant with SafeWork NSW guidelines.
In industries such as construction, manufacturing, concrete cutting and benchtop fabrication, silica dust can be created in large volumes — often without workers realising it.
Because the particles are microscopic and easily airborne, the only way to know your true exposure levels is through formal air monitoring and silica dust testing. Our testing confirms whether your controls are effective and provides evidence for compliance.
If respirable crystalline silica particles are inhaled, they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing:
We work with businesses across Wagga Wagga and the surrounding Riverina, including:
Concrete cutting and drilling companies
Construction and civil contractors
Stonemasons and benchtop fabricators
Demolition and renovation companies
Quarry and crushing operations
Engineering workshops
Bricklayers, tilers and pavers
Manufacturing and fabrication facilities
Landscaping and earthworks companies
If your business cuts, grinds, drills or processes material containing silica — monitoring is legally required.
Our testing follows SafeWork NSW and Australian Standards for occupational hygiene and air monitoring. The process generally includes:
Initial WHS consultation to understand tasks, materials and exposure concerns
Site inspection & hazard assessment
Selection of workers/tasks for monitoring
Placement of personal or static sampling pumps
Sampling throughout a typical work shift
Laboratory analysis of collected samples
Interpretation of results and compliance assessment
Delivery of a detailed WHS report & action plan
We ensure minimal disruption to your operations while providing highly accurate results.
The NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 requires businesses to:
Identify and manage silica dust hazards
Conduct air monitoring if there is any uncertainty about worker exposure
Keep records of silica testing results for at least 30 years
Provide health monitoring where required
Maintain exposure levels below the Workplace Exposure Standard of 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA)
SafeWork NSW now imposes strong penalties for uncontrolled silica exposure, especially in manufacturing and construction environments.
Local expertise – Based in the Riverina, we understand local industries and work environments
Qualified occupational hygiene specialists
Accurate, NATA-aligned laboratory analysis
Clear, WHS-compliant reports
Fast turnaround times
On-site advice & practical control recommendations
Affordable monitoring programs for businesses of all sizes
We help Wagga employers stay compliant, reduce risk and protect their workers’ long-term health.
Testing is required whenever there is uncertainty about exposure levels. Many workplaces complete monitoring annually or when processes change.
Yes. Controls reduce risk, but testing confirms whether exposure is still above or below the legal standard.
Monitoring typically runs for a full work shift. Reporting occurs once lab results are returned.
Absolutely — we provide practical advice, updated risk controls and ongoing monitoring plans.
2HEM provides high-quality occupational hygiene and environmental consulting services across Wagga Wagga, Albury and the Riverina.
