Across Australian construction, demolition, tunnelling and infrastructure projects, some of the most serious airborne hazards are the ones you cannot see. Microscopic dust particles, including respirable crystalline silica (RCS), pose significant health and compliance risks. Understanding the size and behaviour of these particles is essential for choosing the right dust control, monitoring and ventilation systems.
Dust Particle Sizes and Their Impact on Health
Airborne particles vary widely in size, and their health risks depend on how deeply they can be inhaled. Here are common examples found on site:
- Fine concrete dust: approximately 90 microns
- Cement particles: approximately 60 microns
- Pollen or organic debris: approximately 15 microns
- Construction dust (PM10): less than 10 microns
- Paint mist or overspray: 5 to 10 microns
- Fine dust (PM2.5): 2.5 microns
- Respirable crystalline silica (RCS): less than 4 microns
- Diesel particulate matter (DPM): 0.05 to 1 micron
Particles smaller than 10 microns (PM10) are inhalable and can lodge in the upper airways. PM2.5 and RCS particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and are linked to severe health conditions, including:
- Silicosis
- Lung cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Kidney disease and emphysema
Regulatory Requirements for Dust Control and Silica Safety
Under Safe Work Australia’s updated silica dust regulations, all businesses handling crystalline silica must assess risk levels and implement strict controls. If a material contains more than 1 percent crystalline silica, and if there is any risk of exceeding exposure standards, it must be treated as high risk. To meet updated Safe Work Australia regulations, a certified silica risk control plan must accompany your site’s monitoring program.
Mandatory control measures include:
- A silica risk control plan
- Air monitoring and reporting of Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) exceedances
- Specific training for workers
- Health monitoring programs
Read more: Silica Regulation Update
Practical Solutions from Control Hire
Control Hire offers a full range of dust and air quality management systems designed for Australian construction and infrastructure conditions.
1. Air Scrubbers with HEPA Filtration
Removes particles as small as 0.3 microns. Ideal for enclosed environments, tunnel works and projects with RCS exposure risks.
2. Real-Time Dust and Silica Monitors
Continuously monitors PM10, PM2.5 and RCS levels to ensure site compliance with AS 3580.9.6 and WHS regulations. Explore our full range of real time sillica and dust monitoring.
3. Temporary Ventilation Systems
Ventilation setups are designed using precise airflow calculations to meet site-specific air change rates, duct lengths and static pressures. Control Hire’s engineering services team models site-specific ventilation systems using CFD analysis to ensure compliant air change rates.
4. Certified Dust Control Management Plans (CDMP)
Control Hire’s environmental consultants develop site-specific CDMPs and AQMPs to meet council, EPA and WHS requirements.
5. Personal Dust Monitoring Services
Technicians provide personal air monitoring using calibrated sampling pumps and full documentation for compliance audits.
Start with a Toolbox Talk or Onsite Assessment
Control Hire supports projects from tender through to completion, offering expert advice, certified equipment and ongoing monitoring. For welding fume and airborne gas risks, gas monitor hire delivers real-time personal and area detection on site. Our installation and servicing team can deploy, commission and maintain dust control systems across your project duration. Site managers are encouraged to organise a Silica Safety Toolbox Talk or contact the team directly to ensure full compliance and protection for workers: