Cutting concrete blocks and stone generates high concentrations of respirable crystalline silica dust which causes silicosis and lung cancer. Dry cutting with a disc cutter or angle grinder without dust controls is one of the most hazardous activities for dust exposure on a construction site. This talk explains the correct methods for cutting block and stone safely and the dust controls that must be used every time.
Key Hazards
Silicosis and lung cancer from inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust
Eye injuries from flying fragments and particles during cutting operations
Noise-induced hearing loss from sustained disc cutter use without protection
Hand-arm vibration injuries from prolonged use of cutting equipment
Control Measures
Use a block splitter for straight cuts wherever possible to eliminate dust at source entirely.
Use a water-suppressed disc cutter or masonry saw for cuts that cannot be made by splitting.
Attach on-tool dust extraction connected to an M-Class or H-Class vacuum for all powered cutting.
Never dry cut concrete block or stone without water suppression or dust extraction in place.
Wear RPE with a minimum FFP3 rating as a backup when cutting even with water suppression running.
Wear safety goggles and hearing protection rated for the noise level of the cutting tool.
Set up a designated cutting area away from other workers to minimise exposure to bystanders.
Clean the work area using a vacuum or damp methods — never dry sweep stone and block dust.
Rotate operators to keep individual exposure time below the workplace exposure limit for silica.
Remember
Use a block splitter for straight cuts wherever possible to eliminate dust at source
Use water-suppressed cutting or on-tool extraction connected to an H-Class vacuum for all powered cuts
Never dry cut concrete block or stone without water suppression or extraction controls in place
Wear FFP3 rated RPE as backup protection even when water suppression is running during cutting
Set up a designated cutting area away from other workers to reduce bystander exposure
Clean up using a vacuum or damp methods — never dry sweep stone or block cutting dust
Applicable Legislation: COSHH Regulations 2002 · EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits · Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974