Stronger model regulation of crystalline silica processing
Australia's stronger model crystalline-silica processing provisions have a September 1, 2024 commencement framework, with local variations. They cover materials containing at least 1% crystalline silica by weight and add controls and high-risk processing duties.
Local adoption and sector coverage differ. Victoria has a separate framework, Western Australia's General Regulations exclude mine sites, and ACT adoption of this package was not established here.
- Legal status
- model amendments locally adopted with variations
- Source check
- Sep 17, 2026
- Topic
- Crystalline silica substances
- Technical review
- Jiaxi · 2026-09-23
What changed
Previous requirement
General hazardous-chemical, exposure and monitoring duties already existed.
New requirement or current position
Controlled processing, risk assessment and additional high-risk duties including silica plans, training and applicable monitoring/reporting.
Who it affects
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Quarrying where local law applies
Dates and milestones
Commencement and compliance dates can differ. Read the conditions beside each date, including any stay or local adoption requirement.
- Announcement or publication
- May 14, 2024
- Recorded effective date
- Sep 1, 2024
What this could mean for your IH program
Track material content, processing and risk determination alongside samples. Use jurisdiction-specific adoption evidence.
Confirm applicability with a qualified practitioner before changing your program.
Questions and qualifications
- Victoria has a separate OHS framework. WA General Regulations exclude mine sites. ACT has its own silica framework; September adoption was not established here.
Source evidence
- New model WHS Regulations will help protect workers from silicosis
Safe Work Australia · 14 May 2024
Model amendments target engineered stone from July 2024 and broader crystalline silica substances from September 2024. Jurisdictions must implement amendments locally.
- Explanatory statement: Model WHS Regulations (Crystalline Silica Substances) Amendment 2024
Safe Work Australia · Background; description of Option 5a
Model framework introduces training, risk plans and air/health monitoring duties for high-risk CSS processing; implementation depends on local law.
- Crystalline silica
Comcare · Crystalline silica processes
Commonwealth WHS CSS amendments commenced 1 September 2024 and cover material with at least 1% crystalline silica by weight.
- Regulation on processing crystalline silica substances
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland · What are the new duties; training requirements
Queensland WHS CSS rules commenced 1 September 2024. High-risk processing requires a plan and accredited or approved training; existing monitoring triggers continue.
- Strong stance against deadly dust disease
SafeWork SA · 2 September 2024; commencement and duty paragraphs
SA CSS processing rules started 1 September 2024, including quarrying and screening; high-risk work requires controls, plans and approved training.
- Training resources
WorkSafe Tasmania · Accredited training section
Tasmanian CSS rules commenced 1 September 2024. High-risk processing training must be nationally accredited or approved by the regulator.
- Summary of work health and safety law amendments
NT WorkSafe · Additional crystalline silica processes requirements
NT amended regulations on 30 July 2024; strengthened CSS duties began 1 September 2024, including training, plans and exposure exceedance reporting.
Managing your IH program
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