Controlling dust from construction work, common sense advice from the safety geeks

We, as health and safety consultants, could be described as a bit geeky.  We try not to be but it’s hard!  Beyond this is the Occupational Hygienist specialising in air monitoring and health at work, the ‘geeks geek’ and one of the things we do is controlling dust.

Controlling dust from construction work, common sense advice from the safety geeks

Without the support of an Occupational Hygienist many safety professionals do well in managing their everyday risks but often stop short from getting a firm grip on protecting employee health, when the truth is that it’s really relatively straightforward.  With FFI now affecting almost every sector you need to be aware that not managing employee health means rich pickings for HSE when they quote Regulation 11 of COSHH, Health Surveillance – enough to strike fear into all but the most hardened safety manager.

The good news is that some of the geekiness is disappearing and giving way to common sense.  We have always advised our construction clients that YES, we are very competent and equipped to carry out any kind of air test for dust exposure but we don’t ALWAYS think that paying us to come in and report on dust exposure for your workers at site is necessary.

The reasons for this are twofold;

• Firstly, if you control risks using simple good practice such as water mist to suppress dust we simply won’t have anything to measure, and;
• Secondly, we’re we still to measure our results would be applicable to that site of work – changes in location, process, substrate and so on would make the report of dubious value for the next site.

Of course, there are sometimes exceptions to the above but they are few and far between for most in the construction industry.  The good news is that our common sense has now been enshrined in the latest guidance on the subject from HSE – very handy when we’re speaking to an inspector, client, safety manager or insurer on your behalf; Construction Information Sheets 36 and also CIS69

Now, this is not to make light of the matter.  Look at the facts:  5000 construction workers die each year from dust inhalation related diseases, so what should you do?

1. Instead of opting for cut-off saws, look at tools such as block splitters and laminate guillotines. Not only do they produce less dust, you may even find them more efficient…
2. Silica-free abrasives must always be used for what used to be called “sand blasting” and don’t rely on the fact they abrasives are used wet, exposure to RCS can still occur if you’re high pressure water jetting;
3. Select tools which have wetting systems or at the least built in extraction. We would regard these systems as pretty much compulsory when cutting kerbs, blocks and paving with a cut-off saw – water suppression must be used along with respiratory protection.
4. If using the wetting system, make sure enough water is supplied for it to be effective. Wetting beforehand just won’t work.
5. If on-tool extraction is being used, you’ll need a proper extraction unit, not just a general commercial vacuum cleaner.

Take a look at your site today concentrating in particular on the following;

1. cutting kerb stones and concrete blocks;
2. raking mortar;
3. cutting roof tiles;
4. grinding;
5. drilling for 15 to 30 minutes in total; and
6. abrasive pressure blasting

If you need help or advice on health and safety please contact us or request a call back – or call and speak to a friendly expert on 01453 800100.