NePSi published an updated version of a Respirable Crystalline Silica Monitoring Protocol in June 2021

The main objective of this monitoring protocol is to provide a harmonized methodology to measure exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) of workers employed at member companies of the NEPSI signatories. The project aims to provide a common basic methodology to help those sectors who do not have a standardized monitoring methodology in place and enable these sectors to collect RCS exposure data in a harmonized and representative way.

Guidance is provided on measurement strategy, appropriate sampling and analytical methods, and data management.

The implementation of the protocol is not mandatory, but should be considered as guidance for the development of a dust and quartz monitoring programme within all NEPSI partners.

The NEPSI Good Practice Guide provides practical information for industries working with materials containing crystalline silica to improve workers’ health protection progressively over time.

The guide provides a basic introduction to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and more detailed information on dust control measures and management guidance for specific industries and tasks.  The Good Practice Guide is a comprehensive resource for employers and employees working in the silica industries, available online and downloadable for free:

From October, HSE Inspectors will be visiting manufacturing business where materials such as stone, rocks, sand and clay are used. This will include: 

• Brick and tile manufacturers 
• Foundries  
• Stone working  

Please see HSE bulletin that provides more information and links to guidance on control measures. 

Employers have a legal duty to put in place suitable arrangements to manage health and safety and ensure they comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

Inspectors will be checking that dutyholders know the risks associated with inhalation of RCS and have effective controls in place to keep workers safe and protect their respiratory health. 

 Please also see the Fatal 4 section on Safequarry

HSE has issued a safety alert about how respirators/masks which rely on ear loops do not provide protection as tight fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).

The guidance has been developed for the industry as part of improvement output from the Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee (QNJAC), with input from senior company OH&S managers, trade union and workforce representation. It considers a number of aspects of work where good performance in day-to-day operations should result in improved performance in trailing indicators such as accident rates. (Issued January 2018)

This guidance note provides advice on minimising the risk to health from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) when working with precast concrete products. Please review and share with you colleagues.

HSE has published new guidance on health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Aimed principally at occupational health professionals, it will also be of interest to those with operations where there is exposure to RCS.

Comprising a series of quarry-based activities, this video features an animated quarryman who does everything wrong. The exploits of this hapless character are interspersed with high quality real-life sequences of how it should be done. Produced for the Quarries Partnership Team, the video emphasises how to avoid both the immediate and long-term adverse health effects of uncontrolled dust in the workplace and the consequences for a worker’s life.

REMINDER - The NEPSI Social Dialogue Agreement on Respirable Crytsalline Silica requires reporting between the 15th January and 14th March 2014. The industries covered by the agreement are listed below Aggregates; Cement; Ceramics; Expanded Clay; Foundries; Glass; Glass Fibre; Industrial Minerals; Mineral Wool; Mining; Mortar; Natural Stone; Pre-cast Concrete The attached note is a reminder of what is required and where more information can be found.

Are your 'dust monitoring costs' being wasted by employing cheap but unscientific 'scattergun' methods? If so, your company could be vulnerable to prosecution through lack of proof of compliance with the national Occupational Exposure Limit for Respirable Crystalline Silica. Annex 2 of the 2006 EU 'Silica' Social Dialogue Agreement comprises a DUST MONITORING PROTOCOL. At less than 2 pages, this good advice should be acted upon by all companies requiring to measure dust levels in the workplace. Adopting the recommendations of this Protocol ensures the generation of statistically valid evidence of dust monitoring, on which sound management and engineering controls can be based.