Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00417:body:0:p13
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00417
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 31880–34813

structure being blasted (which could contain asbestos or other hazardous chemicals).
Crystalline silica dust

Crystalline silica dust can be generated by:
    * using abrasive materials that contain traces of crystalline silica, (e.g. staurolite or garnet), or
    * abrasive blasting surfaces that contain crystalline silica (e.g. concrete, sandstone masonry, calcium silicate bricks, foundry castings).
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can result in silicosis, which is stiffening and scarring of the lungs. It results in shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. The effects are irreversible and lead to a degeneration in the person's health, invariably resulting in death. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica is also associated with chronic lung diseases and cancer.

Silicosis can result from short-term exposure to high concentrations of crystalline silica dust (acute silicosis) or it can develop after long-term exposure over a number of years.
Lead dust

Lead dust can be generated by:
    * using an abrasive material that contains lead (prohibited under the WHS Regulations)
    * the abrasive blasting of surfaces containing lead, or
    * abrasive blasting surfaces covered by paint that contains lead.
These surfaces commonly occur on bridges, ships, machinery, vehicles and recycled old housing timber.
Lead is easily absorbed or taken into the body by:
    * inhaling dust or fumes
    * eating contaminated food, or
    * eating, drinking or smoking using contaminated fingers.
The major risk associated with lead is lead poisoning (plumbism). This affects the blood system and can cause anemia. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, convulsions, hallucinations, coma, weakness, tremors and the possible increased risk of cancer. Lead exposure can also affect both male and female reproductive systems. A developing foetus is particularly at risk, especially in the early weeks before a pregnancy becomes known.
The rate of absorption of lead depends on the size of the particles and the route of entry. Abrasive blasting produces particles small enough to be absorbed rapidly, leading to more acute and severe toxic effects.

Regulation 392: Under the WHS Regulations using a power tool, including abrasive blasting and high pressure water jets to remove a surface coated with paint containing more than 1 percent by dry weight of lead metal and handling waste containing lead is a lead process.
This means certain requirements in the WHS Regulations apply including:
    * giving information to a person likely to be engaged to carry out a lead process, before the person is so engaged, on the health risks and toxic effects associated with lead, and the need for medical examinations and biological monitoring of workers carrying out a lead process, and
    * assessing each lead process to determine if the lead process is lead risk work, i.e. if the work is likely to cause a worker's blood