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Prohibited and Restricted Substances in Abrasive Blasting

Code version as at 1 May 2018 From Abrasive blasting, no changes tracked yet
High severity
FEDERAL · WHS – Hazardous Substances Abrasive blasting > Hazardous substances > Prohibited and restricted media § 3.1
The obligation
Certain abrasive blasting media (e.g. crystalline silica sand) are prohibited or restricted under the WHS Regulations and the Code.
The Code identifies abrasive media that are prohibited or restricted. Sand containing 1% or more crystalline silica by weight must not be used as abrasive blasting media. PCBUs must not use prohibited media and must apply strict controls when using restricted media. Silica exposure causes silicosis, an irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease. PCBUs must select compliant media and document their choice, and must not re-use blast media that has become contaminated.
What
Certain abrasive blasting media (e.g. crystalline silica sand) are prohibited or restricted under the WHS Regulations and the Code.
Source
safeworkaustralia.gov.au

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Labels
silica crystalline silica prohibited substance abrasive media
Official sources
Frequently asked questions

Which WHS law does this come from?

Prohibited and Restricted Substances in Abrasive Blasting is a WHS requirement set out in Abrasive blasting (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is Abrasive blasting > Hazardous substances > Prohibited and restricted media § 3.1.

What does this WHS obligation require?

Prohibited and Restricted Substances in Abrasive Blasting is a WHS obligation under Abrasive blasting (FEDERAL). In short, Certain abrasive blasting media (e.g. crystalline silica sand) are prohibited or restricted under the WHS Regulations and the Code.

About this Topic

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First seenJul 2026