With Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS or Silica dust) a significant safety issue for many in the construction industry, and a leading cause of lung cancer and other illnesses, it’s not surprising an Australian syndicate of safety orientated businesses are leading the way with an innovative home-grown solution, including Blackwoods.
It’s November 2020, and construction is under way at the West Gate Tunnel Project (WGTP). As with all Tier 1 construction companies, health and safety is a core value and WGTP (CPB Contractors) were looking at an effective engineering solution to control Silica dust exposure whilst undertaking jackhammering activities.
“Civil construction requires significant concrete structures to create the infrastructure needed for road and tunnel construction. Jackhammering is a large component of the work, particularly during pile break back activities. Workers’ health and well-being is our top responsibility, and new innovative solutions need to be found to keep Silica exposure levels below the Occupational Exposure Standard,” said Richard Cain, Senior Health & Safety Advisor at the West Gate Tunnel Project.
“Taking into consideration the lessons from the stone masonry industry, we were keen to find industry changing solutions to combat the risk to health of construction workers. We’ve worked with Blackwoods for many years and have assisted in solving many of the unique problems our projects typically present.”
Following the launch of Safety Spotlight late in 2020, WGTP looked to Blackwoods to improve respiratory protection on site. With PAPR systems making their way to workers, a desire to find an ‘Above The Line Control’ and engineer Silica dust out of the process entirely (and not just rely on PPE), was now on the table. Once again Blackwoods was engaged to help solve the problem.
“We knew dust suppression systems were being trialled in the USA but with nothing available here in Australia. WGTP shared photos and links on the system and asked the question ‘can we make it here?’ So, we engaged our supply partner, Dixon, and they jumped to the idea in a bid to develop a retro-fit system specific for jackhammers,” said Terry Meachen, Major Projects Manager at Blackwoods.
“WGTP were very keen on a locally developed and manufactured system to promote local content on the project. Currently an additional person must be available to spray water on the job to keep the dust down.”
With Dixon (a leading innovator in the hose coupling industry) now onboard, trials began in March of 2021 and continued through to June.
“Many configurations and spray nozzles with varied spray patterns and flow rates were used and tested on site at WGTP. Instead of just a simple spot test here and there, we trialled it day and night in different weather conditions and over long periods with a goal to be below the Australian exposure standard of 0.05mg/m3.”
After much trial and error, one flow nozzle proved successful, keeping the concentration of RCS below the Australian occupational exposure standard of 0.05mg/m3 over eight hour work shifts during the month long final trial.
“There was a tremendous amount of effort applied to getting this right amongst the parties involved. It took a bit of time, but we eventually got there. In fact, we achieved consistent average readings below 0.05mg/m3 over the month. This was a pleasing and exciting discovery for all. The hard work and perseverance of all those involved needs to be recognised. The continued collaboration with our contractors, HSRs, and Blackwoods was integral to ensuring an effective and practical solution.” said Matthew Dicker, Health & Safety Manager, West Gate Tunnel Project.
CPB Contractors has now mandated that controls must be in place that meet or exceed the benefits of the Dixon system across its Victorian sites.
“We believe this will spark a number of initiatives to suppress Silica dust across a variety of different applications. We thank Terry, Blackwoods and Dixon for all their efforts in working to reduce the risk to our workers.” Richard said.
Blackwoods would like to congratulate West Gate Tunnel Project and Dixon for their commitment to such an important trial. We are proud of our involvement as we strive to make all workers safer in their workplaces.
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