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HSC press release C035:05 - 2 December 2005
HSC consults on proposal
for a new workplace exposure limit
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.
Comments can be sent by e-mail to Silica.consultation@hse.gsi.gov.uk or to
Pauline Dillon, Health and Safety Executive, Policy Group, Room 101 Daniel
House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, Liverpool, L20 3TW. Comments should be sent
by 13 th March 2006.
Notes to editors
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).
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.
The consultation period will be 15 weeks from the day of publication of the
consultation document.
Public Enquiries : HSE InfoLine, Tel: 0845 345 0055, visit: www.hse.gov.uk/contact
or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
Press Enquiries : (Journalists only)
Jonathan Mason 020 7717 6902
Out of hours 020 7928 8382
