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Cutting paving slabs, kerb stones or other concrete products generates respirable dust which often has a high content of crystalline silica. The dust generated can be so fine that it is invisible under normal light. All respirable crystalline silica is hazardous and can cause silicosis. Constant exposure can cause serious lung disease leading to permanent disability and early death.
This message is a reminder to operatives to use water for dust suppression during cutting operations. In this way, dust emissions are captured and contained at source. It is likely that when airborne dust is controlled by water suppression, the COSHH (workplace exposure) limit of 0.1 mg/m3 RCS or less is achievable. Vastly reduced dust emissions are beneficial both for the workers on site and the general public within the vicinity of the cutting; Using water also significantly increases the life of the disc and prolongs the lifespan of the cut-off saw motor.
Cutting concrete products containing high silica concentrations will require the use of suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in addition to dust suppression.
Further information:
Dust control on concrete cutting saws used in the construction industry, Construction Information Sheet No 54, HSE 11/00
HSE Publication Series: R - COSHH essentials: Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
The use of water suppression when using stone cut-off saws, Construction Occupational Health case study COH13, 01/08 |