RCS workplace exposure prevention
Industry has been and remains a strong advocate of the prevention of workers exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS).
Up until now, all of the regulatory expert groups which have considered the crystalline silica dossier have recognised that reducing or eliminating exposure to RCS would be the key preventive action for risks associated with silicosis as well as any possible lung cancer risk.
Prescribed regulatory occupational exposure limits for RCS exist in almost all European Member States and have proved effective in controlling the risk of contracting silicosis in occupational settings. In addition, the European industry has voluntarily developed a prevention plan targeted at exposure to respirable particles of crystalline silica.
In 2006, industry (employers and employees of 14 industry sectors) developed a Good Practice Guide on Workers’ Health Protection through the Good Handling and Use of Crystalline Silica and Products Containing it. This is the basis of a Social Dialogue Agreement and contains 65 task sheets describing good practice techniques for many work activities. The task sheets identify appropriate control measures that will assist employers in reducing exposure levels to respirable crystalline silica to a minimum.
Published in the EC Official Journal (OJ 2006/C279/02), translated into 22 languages, the Agreement gave rise to the biggest ever awareness campaign on the risks related to exposure to RCS. The Agreement includes a mandatory reporting every two years of its application on site and the effects are already visible on the workplaces concerned. The signatories of the Agreement are committed to pursue more research related to the risks of exposure and to regularly update and complete the good practices.
Full information available at www.nepsi.eu.
