Joint cutting in road pavements and concrete slabs generates high levels of silica dust, noise, and vibration. Sealing joints with hot bituminous or cold-pour materials adds risks from burns and fume exposure. Both activities often take place in live traffic conditions on public highways. This talk covers the safety controls for joint cutting and sealing operations on UK road construction projects.
Key Hazards
Silica dust inhalation during dry cutting of concrete and asphalt joints
Burns from contact with hot sealant materials during pouring operations
Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to diamond saw cutting
Hand-arm vibration from operating heavy floor saws for extended periods
Control Measures
Use wet cutting methods with water suppression on all diamond saw joint cutting operations.
Provide RPE with a minimum APF of 20 for all operatives in the dust zone during cutting.
Wear hearing protection rated for the specific noise output of the floor saw being used.
Monitor HAVS exposure and rotate operators to limit daily trigger time on the floor saw.
Wear heat-resistant gloves and face protection when handling hot bituminous sealant materials.
Ensure adequate fume extraction or natural ventilation when heating sealant in enclosed areas.
Install Chapter 8 traffic management before any joint work in the public carriageway.
Inspect all saw blades, guards, and water supply systems before starting each cutting session.
Brief all operatives on the COSHH assessment for both the cutting dust and the sealant product.
Remember
Always use wet cutting methods with water suppression to control silica dust during joint cutting
Wear RPE, hearing protection, and monitor vibration exposure during all cutting operations
Wear heat-resistant gloves and face protection when handling hot sealant materials
Install Chapter 8 traffic management before any joint work in the public carriageway
Rotate operators to manage hand-arm vibration exposure within the daily action value
Applicable Legislation: COSHH 2002 · Noise at Work Regulations 2005 · Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 · Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8