HSC consults on proposal for a new workplace exposure limit

HSC press release C035:05 - 2 December 2005

Every year nearly 2 million employees are exposed to Crystalline Silica. The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has today published a consultative document seeking comments on a proposal for a new Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica.

Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in almost all types of rock, sands, clays etc, and in building materials made from these materials such as bricks, tiles and concrete. HSE estimates that at least 100,000 workers are exposed to dust containing respirable crystalline silica on a regular basis in a diverse range of industries including mining, quarrying, brick/tile and ceramic manufacture, construction, foundries and stone-masonry.

Long-term exposure to dusts containing respirable crystalline silica can lead to the development of silicosis, a slowly developing irreversible lung disease. Heavy and prolonged exposures under conditions that are sufficient to cause silicosis can also lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. Evidence suggests that a WEL of 0.1 mg.m -3 for crystalline silica would in the long-term, considerably reduce the risk of workers developing silicosis.

The consultation document can be found on HSE's website at: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm.

Notes to editors

1. HSC's proposal recommends a reduction from the current WEL of 0.3 mg.m -3 for respirable crystalline silica to a new WEL of 0.1 mg.m -3 (measured as an 8-hour time weighted average).
2. If the proposal were to be agreed HSE would bring the new WEL into force in 2006. A new WEL set at 0.1 mg.m -3 would be accompanied by practical advice on how to control exposures to respirable crystalline silica in the workplace.
3. The consultation period will be 15 weeks from the day of publication of the consultation document.

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