Victoria distinguishes mandatory RCS WES from precautionary recommendation
Victoria's checked guidance distinguishes the mandatory 0.05 mg/m³ respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure standard from a precautionary recommendation to remain below 0.02 mg/m³. This entry explains the baseline and does not establish a new 2025 reduction.
The recommendation is to remain below 0.02 mg/m³. Extended-shift adjustments require separate calculation.
- Legal status
- current baseline with nonbinding recommendation
- Source check
- Sep 17, 2026
- Topic
- RCS exposure interpretation
- Technical review
- Jiaxi · 2026-09-23
What changed
Previous requirement
Existing OHS duties to control hazardous substances.
New requirement or current position
Baseline unchanged here; recommendation must not be labelled an enforceable limit.
Who it affects
- All Victorian workplaces with RCS
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
- Not established or not applicable
- Recorded effective date
- Not established or not applicable
Selected exposure values
These values need the scope, limit type and averaging period shown below. A proposed or advisory value is not a binding limit.
Respirable crystalline silica
0.05 mg/m3| Averaging period | 8-hour TWA |
|---|---|
| Limit type | WES |
| Scope | Victoria mandatory WES |
Respirable crystalline silica
Below 0.02 mg/m3| Averaging period | 8-hour TWA |
|---|---|
| Limit type | recommendation |
| Scope | WorkSafe Victoria precautionary recommendation |
What this could mean for your IH program
Store recommended targets in a distinct field and assess the mandatory WES outside RPE as the Victorian guidance directs.
Confirm applicability with a qualified practitioner before changing your program.
Questions and qualifications
- This record explains the current baseline. No new 2025 reduction is asserted. Extended-shift adjustments require separate calculation.
Source evidence
- Preventing exposure to crystalline silica dust
WorkSafe Victoria · Workplace exposure standard; reviewed 11 March 2025
Mandatory RCS standard is 0.05 mg/m3 8-hour TWA; 0.02 mg/m3 is a precautionary recommendation. Exposure is assessed outside RPE.
- Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants, November 2025
Safe Work Australia · p. 36 silica entries; p. 42 amendment history
Current list records RCS at 0.05 mg/m3 and the January 2024 general welding and November 2025 aluminium welding amendments.
- Crystalline silica safety basics
WorkSafe Victoria · Workplace exposure standard section
Identifies the mandatory 0.05 mg/m³ eight-hour time-weighted-average standard and a precautionary recommendation to remain below 0.02 mg/m³.
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