Page 42 - Tools E-Catalogue

41 / Dust Management

Why is dust so dangerous?

In the construction industry dust is generated from a number of different activities, including common tasks such as cutting,
drilling, chiselling and grinding. The first problem is that as the amount of dust in the atmosphere builds up, the visibility
during working becomes limited, hence increasing the risk to operators in the environment using any equipment.

The second and larger issue is that dust, which is produced from a range of different materials including concrete, mortar
and stone, contains a hazardous substance known as Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). RCS causes harmful and life-
threatening diseases when entering the lungs, such as Silicosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – both
of which increase the risk of lung infections, silicosis and lung cancer. According to HSE research, over 500 deaths are
related directly to exposure to RCS from construction related employment.

What is the legal requirement?

Employers are responsible for assessing, managing and
controlling the exposure of their workers to construction
dust, under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations Act 2002. Effective measures are needed to
reduce the health risks, create a more comfortable working
environment and increase productivity on site. To help address
the risks the following key points should be considered:

• Eliminating exposure
• Suitable and sufficient risk assessment
• Selection of dust extraction equipment
• Isolation dust transmission
• PPE & RPE

Did you know? You are at risk if the dust you inhale contains more
Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) than a single pinch of salt.
DUST
DUST

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