Dust Control Hierarchy

The dust control hierarchy follows the same principles as the general hierarchy of risk control.
Elimination is the most effective level — can the dust-generating task be avoided entirely?
Substitution replaces dusty materials or methods with less dusty alternatives where practicable.
Engineering controls include on-tool extraction, water suppression, and enclosed cutting systems.
Administrative controls include work scheduling, rotation, and restricting access to dusty areas.
RPE is the last resort — it must only be relied on when higher-level controls cannot reduce exposure adequately.
COSHH 2002 requires employers to apply the hierarchy to prevent or adequately control dust exposure.
Combining multiple levels of the hierarchy gives the best overall dust reduction on site.
The hierarchy must be considered during task planning, not as an afterthought during the work.
Many construction companies still over-rely on RPE instead of implementing engineering controls first.

Effective protection	Higher-level controls like elimination and extraction protect everyone, not just the worker wearing RPE.
Legal requirement	COSHH 2002 mandates the hierarchy — jumping straight to RPE without considering better controls is non-compliant.
RPE limitations	RPE depends on correct fit, consistent use, and worker compliance — engineering controls do not.

Do

Don't

Consider elimination first — can the task be done without generating dust at all?
Explore substitution — are less dusty materials or methods available for the task?
Install engineering controls such as on-tool extraction and water suppression as standard
Use enclosed cutting stations for repetitive block, slab, or kerb cutting operations
Schedule dusty work when fewer people are nearby to reduce the number exposed
Restrict access to dusty work zones with barriers and warning signs
Select RPE only where higher-level controls cannot reduce exposure below the WEL
Combine multiple hierarchy levels for the best overall dust reduction
Plan dust controls during the task risk assessment, not as a reactive measure
Review the hierarchy whenever new tasks, materials, or methods are introduced on site

DON'T jump straight to issuing RPE without considering the hierarchy of controls first
DON'T accept dusty methods when less dusty alternatives exist and are practicable
DON'T rely solely on RPE — it is the least effective and least reliable control method
DON'T ignore engineering controls because they cost more than disposable masks
DON'T allow dusty work to continue without controls while waiting for extraction equipment
DON'T assume dust is unavoidable — many tasks can be done with significantly less dust
DON'T forget that dust affects everyone in the area, not just the person creating it
DON'T treat dust controls as optional extras — they are legal requirements under COSHH
DON'T plan dust controls after the work has started — include them at the planning stage
DON'T use the hierarchy as a tick-box exercise — genuinely evaluate each level for every task

See also: Construction Dust Awareness | On-Tool Extraction Systems

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