DUS/General/TBT-DUS-019
Dust Control Hierarchy of Measures
Dust & Silica › General › Dust Control Hierarchy of Measures
Toolbox Talk
Dust Control Hierarchy of Measures
Construction dust causes serious lung diseases including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Controlling dust at source is always more effective than relying on respiratory protection alone. UK law requires employers to follow a hierarchy of control measures, starting with eliminating the dust source and only using RPE as a last resort. This talk explains the hierarchy and how to apply it on site.
Key Hazards
Silicosis and lung cancer from long-term respirable crystalline silica exposure
Occupational asthma triggered by repeated inhalation of construction dusts
Reduced visibility and slip hazards from accumulated dust on work surfaces
Neighbouring residents and businesses affected by uncontrolled dust emissions
Control Measures
- Eliminate dust at source by using pre-cut materials, wet cutting methods, or alternative products.
- Substitute high-silica materials with lower-risk alternatives where technically feasible.
- Use on-tool dust extraction connected to an M-Class or H-Class vacuum during all cutting and grinding.
- Apply water suppression at the point of dust generation to prevent airborne particles from spreading.
- Enclose dusty operations using sheeting, screens, or dedicated enclosures where reasonably practicable.
- Provide local exhaust ventilation in workshops and enclosed areas where dust-generating tasks are carried out.
- Use RPE with the correct assigned protection factor as a last resort when other controls are insufficient.
- Clean work areas using a vacuum or damp methods — never dry sweep as this creates airborne dust.
- Monitor dust levels using exposure sampling where the COSHH assessment identifies significant risk.
Remember
- The hierarchy of control starts with eliminating dust, not with issuing respiratory protection
- On-tool extraction connected to an M-Class or H-Class vacuum is essential for cutting and grinding
- Water suppression at the cutting point is one of the most effective dust control methods on site
- Never dry sweep dusty areas as this re-suspends settled particles back into the breathing zone
- RPE is a last resort and must only be used when other control measures cannot reduce exposure enough
- Dust exposure monitoring may be required where the COSHH assessment identifies significant risk
Applicable Legislation: COSHH Regulations 2002 · EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Control of Substances Hazardous to Health ACoP (L5)
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