Silica and construction dust Toolbox Talk
Cutting stone, concrete, brick, mortar and tile can release respirable crystalline silica. The finest harmful dust may be invisible, so control it at source every time.
Key points
- Eliminate cutting by ordering the correct size or using alternative materials.
- Use suitable water suppression or on-tool extraction matched to the tool.
- Keep extraction close to the source and maintain airflow.
- Exclude other people from the dust zone.
- Use suitable face-fit-tested RPE for residual exposure.
- Vacuum with suitable dust-rated equipment; never dry sweep or use compressed air.
- Arrange exposure review and health surveillance where required.
Do
- Check water or extraction before starting.
- Wear clean-shaven tight-fitting RPE where specified.
- Clean equipment without releasing dust.
Don't
- Do not make uncontrolled dry cuts.
- Do not rely on a mask alone.
- Do not assume outdoor work is automatically safe.
Questions to ask the group
- Can we avoid the cut?
- What source control is fitted?
- Has the wearer passed a face-fit test?
References: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; HSE EH40 Workplace exposure limits; HSE CIS36 Construction dust