Silicosis is an irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust released during demolition, tile removal, concrete grinding and stone cutting. Once silicosis develops, it cannot be cured. Australian workplace health and safety regulations limit silica exposure to 0.05 mg per cubic metre over 8 hours. Professional Gold Coast and Brisbane strip out companies prevent silicosis through HEPA extraction, dust shrouds, wet cutting and P2 or P3 respirators on every job.
What Is Silicosis
Silicosis occurs when fine particles of crystalline silica are inhaled deep into the lungs. The body cannot expel these particles, so they cause permanent scarring and inflammation. Three forms exist:
- Acute silicosis: develops within weeks of heavy exposure
- Accelerated silicosis: develops within 5 to 10 years
- Chronic silicosis: develops after 10 to 20 years of exposure
All three are progressive and incurable. In severe cases, silicosis is fatal.
Where Silica Dust Is Released
Silica is found in many common building materials:
- Concrete, mortar and render
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles
- Engineered stone benchtops (highest silica content)
- Bricks and sandstone
- Plaster and gypsum
Any cutting, grinding or chipping of these materials releases respirable silica dust.
High-Risk Activities in Strip Out Work
The most dangerous tasks during demolition and strip out include:
- Tile removal (floor and wall)
- Concrete grinding and surface preparation
- Cutting through concrete or masonry walls
- Engineered stone benchtop demolition (highest risk)
- Removing rendered surfaces
- Brick cutting and mortar removal
Australian Regulations
In Queensland, Safe Work Australia and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland set strict limits:
- Workplace exposure standard: 0.05 mg per cubic metre over 8 hours
- Engineered stone ban: from 1 July 2024, manufacturing, supply and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs is prohibited (Australian Government)
- Silica health monitoring is mandatory for at-risk workers
Comparison: Standard vs Silica-Safe Demolition
| Control | Standard Approach | Silica-Safe Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Dust extraction | None | Connected to every tool |
| Vacuum | Shop vac (releases fine dust) | HEPA filtered industrial |
| Wet cutting | No | Yes, where practical |
| Containment | Open work area | Sealed barriers, negative pressure |
| Worker PPE | Paper or no mask | P2 or P3 fitted respirator |
| Health monitoring | None | Mandatory for at-risk workers |
What Your Strip Out Company Should Do
Reputable contractors implement these controls on every job:
- Use dust extraction equipment on grinders, saws and chipping hammers
- Use HEPA-filtered industrial vacuums for cleanup
- Provide fitted P2 or P3 respirators to all workers
- Use wet cutting where the surface allows
- Set up containment barriers to prevent dust spreading
- Train all workers in silica awareness
- Conduct health monitoring as required by Queensland WHS
What Homeowners Can Do
If you are having strip out work done in your home:
- Ask the contractor about dust control methods before booking
- Ensure the work area is sealed from the rest of your home
- Keep children, pets and elderly family members out of the work zone
- Avoid entering the work area during dusty operations
- Verify the contractor uses HEPA vacuums (not regular shop vacs)
Why Choose Strip It Out
Every Strip It Out team member is trained in silica safety. We use dust extraction and HEPA filtration on every project across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Our equipment includes Bosch chipping hammers with dust shrouds, Husqvarna grinders with integrated extraction, and HEPA-filtered industrial vacuums. Worker safety and your safety are non-negotiable. Call 0430 030 633 for a free quote with full safety practices documented.