Respirable Silica Dust – RCS, is a major concern in QLD workplaces and Tomkins is taking action to minimise and manage the effects and exposure of the hazardous chemical on all of Tomkins’ sites.
Found in most common materials utilised on a construction site such as concrete, blockwork, ceramics, RCS dust is generated by high-energy processes such as; cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling and polishing.
Tomkins takes RCS dust seriously finalising the implementation of an intensive program to manage the generation and exposure of RCS dust. An external audit of Tomkins construction sites allowed Tomkins to develop the program further and ensure the best measures were utilised.
Tomkins’ program development began at the core, that is, identifying the associated activities, and understanding the degree of awareness and knowledge held by workers on-site about the associated RCS risks and develop a training programme in response.
Walking the extra mile, Tomkins developed an experienced internal RCS Management Team that is qualified to perform fit-testing for Respiratory Protective Equipment – RPE. Tomkins goes above and beyond to ensure safety on its sites, this includes implementing additional measures and not settling with only risk identification and standard control implementation.
Tomkins final stage of battling RCS addresses subcontractor engagement. RCS information sessions for subcontractors working with Tomkins provides the tools and support to develop and implement their own RCS Management Program.
