DUS/Specific/TBT-DUS-008

Water Suppression for Dust Control

Dust & Silica › Specific › Water Suppression for Dust Control

All Categories/Dust & Silica/Specific/Water Suppression for Dust Control

Water Suppression for Dust Control

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-DUS-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Water suppression reduces airborne dust by wetting material at the point of cutting, drilling, or demolition.
  • It is a key control measure for respirable crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis and lung cancer.
  • Water suppression works by binding fine dust particles together so they are too heavy to become airborne.
  • Methods include on-tool water feeds, hose sprays, misting systems, and dampening stockpiles and haul roads.
  • On-tool water suppression is the most effective method as it controls dust at the point of generation.
  • Water supply must be adequate and reliable; running dry during cutting exposes the operator to full dust levels.
  • Excess water creates slip hazards and can cause mud and silt runoff affecting drainage and watercourses.
  • Water suppression is often used in combination with on-tool extraction for maximum dust reduction.
  • COSHH 2002 requires employers to prevent or control dust exposure using the hierarchy of controls.
  • HSE guidance expects water or extraction to be used for all cutting, grinding, and drilling of silica materials.

Why?

Prevent lung diseaseSilica dust causes silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD. Water suppression at source is one of the most effective controls.
HSE enforcementHSE actively enforces dust control measures. Cutting concrete or stone without suppression can result in prohibition notices.
Protect othersAirborne dust affects all workers nearby, not just the operator. Water suppression reduces exposure across the whole area.
Do Don't
  • Use on-tool water suppression when cutting, drilling, or grinding masonry or concrete.
  • Check the water supply is connected and flowing before starting any dusty task.
  • Dampen haul roads and stockpiles regularly in dry weather to control dust.
  • Combine water suppression with on-tool extraction for maximum dust control.
  • Monitor water levels and refill tanks before they run dry during operations.
  • Manage runoff water to prevent silt entering drains or watercourses.
  • Position misting sprays upwind of demolition and earthworks activities.
  • Maintain water suppression equipment and replace blocked or damaged nozzles.
  • Wear RPE as additional protection when dust generation is heavy.
  • Record dust control measures used in the task risk assessment.
  • DON'T cut concrete, stone, or block without water suppression or extraction.
  • DON'T start cutting if the water supply is disconnected or empty.
  • DON'T rely on water suppression alone if it visibly fails to control dust.
  • DON'T allow slurry runoff to enter surface water drains or watercourses.
  • DON'T create excessive standing water that causes slip hazards on site.
  • DON'T use water suppression as a reason to avoid wearing RPE when needed.
  • DON'T leave misting systems running unattended in freezing conditions.
  • DON'T ignore blocked nozzles or reduced water flow during cutting operations.
  • DON'T dry sweep slurry residue; use wet vacuum or damp methods instead.
  • DON'T assume dampening material once is enough for prolonged cutting tasks.

See also: Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) | On-Tool Extraction Systems
ebrora.com

RAMS Builder

Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.

Learn More