DUS/Specific/TBT-DUS-021
Dust Monitoring and Exposure Assessment
Dust & Silica › Specific › Dust Monitoring and Exposure Assessment
Toolbox Talk
Dust Monitoring and Exposure Assessment
Monitoring dust levels on construction sites is essential to confirm that control measures are working and that workers are not being exposed above the workplace exposure limits. Without monitoring, it is impossible to know whether RPE selection is adequate or whether additional controls are needed. This talk explains the types of dust monitoring used on UK sites and what the results mean for your health.
Key Hazards
Undetected overexposure to respirable dust causing long-term lung disease
Inadequate RPE selection based on assumed rather than measured exposure levels
Workers exposed above the workplace exposure limit without their knowledge
Non-compliance with COSHH requirements for exposure assessment and monitoring
Control Measures
- Carry out initial exposure assessments for all tasks that generate significant dust.
- Use personal air sampling pumps worn by operatives to measure actual breathing zone exposure.
- Compare monitoring results against the workplace exposure limits for the specific dust type.
- Review and upgrade control measures if monitoring shows exposure approaching or exceeding the WEL.
- Repeat monitoring whenever tasks, materials, or control measures change significantly.
- Record all monitoring results and make them available to workers and their representatives.
- Use real-time dust monitors at the site boundary to detect fugitive dust emissions.
- Brief operatives on their personal monitoring results and what they mean for their health.
- Refer workers for health surveillance if monitoring indicates significant dust exposure.
Remember
- Exposure assessments are required for all tasks that generate significant construction dust
- Personal air sampling measures the actual dust level in your breathing zone during the task
- Monitoring results must be compared against the workplace exposure limit for that dust type
- Control measures must be upgraded if exposure approaches or exceeds the workplace exposure limit
- You have the right to know your personal monitoring results and what they mean
Applicable Legislation: COSHH 2002 · EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · MHSWR 1999
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