NEPSI

Crystalline silica (SiO2) is an essential component of many materials, including ceramic products. Although it is ubiquitous in nature, it is recognised that the inhalation of fine dust containing SiO2 in the workplace may constitute a hazard. As exposures to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) can be controlled, most of the industries concerned, including Cerame-Unie, signed a Social Dialogue Agreement (SDA) in April 2006 on Workers' Health Protection Through the Good Handling and Use of Crystalline Silica and Products Containing it.  

NEPSI is the acronym for the European Network for Silica formed by the Employee and Employer European sectoral associations having signed the Social Dialogue Agreement. The Agreement, the Good Practices Guide and other useful information can be found on the website: www.nepsi.eu.

The application of the Agreement and Good Practices is monitored at site-level through a web-based reporting tool. Reporting takes place every two years and started in 2008. In 2010 more than 680 ceramic sites took part, covering more than 70,000 employees of which about 30,000 are potentially exposed to respirable crystalline silica. 95% are covered by a risk assessment and 90% by a generic health surveillance protocol.