Toolbox talk · Health · about 5 minutes
Construction dust and silica
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
Why it matters
Dust from cutting, drilling and sanding can cause lung cancer, silicosis and COPD. Respirable crystalline silica from concrete, brick, block and stone is especially dangerous.
The hazards
- Cutting, chasing and drilling concrete, brick and block
- Sanding and sweeping dust
- Working in enclosed spaces
- Dust you can't see is still harmful
Stay safe
- The workplace exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica is 0.1 mg/m³
- Use water suppression or on-tool extraction when cutting
- Use the right dust class vacuum, not a brush, to clean up
- Wear RPE suitable for the task and get face-fit tested
- Be clean shaven where your mask seals
- Plan work to cut less, such as using the right size materials
- Keep others away from dusty work
Ask the team
- What dust-making tasks are happening today?
- How is the dust being controlled at source?
- When were you last face-fit tested?
The law and guidance
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. HSE INDG136.
General guidance to help you give a toolbox talk. It doesn't replace your site's risk assessments, method statements, permits or training. Check it against your own site rules before you give it.