Following the introduction of the workplace exposure limits (WEL) scheme and corresponding reliance on good practice, HSE have produced this extensive, detailed guidance on hazard control and health surveillance measures for work with respirable crystalline silica. Although very detailed, there remains uncertainty over the value of compliance when defending a civil or H&S enforcement action. Good practice, as defined in this guidance, includes compliance with permitted exposure levels; suggesting that exposure levels are the ultimate test of compliance, a situation which HSE have been trying to steer away from.
Evidence from:
HSE Series of publications on Silica
The guidance covers: Brick and tile making, construction, ceramics, foundry work, silica manufacture, quarry work and slate work.
The detail provides evidence of first hand insight into good practice.
Further detail: