Occupational Exposure Assessment – Respirable Crystalline Silica

Opterra was commissioned by Rookwood General Cemetery to proactively carry out an Occupational Exposure Assessment for the Stonemasons employed at the Site. Specifically, Opterra was requested to review the Stonemason’s activities with focus on assessing the current control measures and providing recommendations for improvements, where available.  Several issues were identified during the site visit and recommendations were made to reduce the Stonemasons potential exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica.

The recommendations included adopting a combination of Local Exhaust Ventilation, Water Suppression and Personal Protective Equipment. Improvements in housekeeping, PPE decontamination and personnel hygiene were also recommended. It was also recommended that air monitoring be conducted at least annually to ensure that the workplace exposure standard for Respirable Crystalline Silica Respirable Crystalline Silica not being exceeded.