Facebook Pixel
Skip to content

Resources

The CDP provides advice, information and guidance on why effective control measures should always be used.

HSE has provided a PDF that answers to a number of questions in relation to construction dust.

For further information see the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website for specific pages on respiratory disease in the construction industry.

This publicly available video produced for WorkSafeBC in Canada shows how breathing in silica dust can cause permanent damage to the lungs.

Silica Exposure - watch on YouTube

Manage your cookie preferences to view the content on this page

Health Risks at Work offers practical guidance and downloadable resources to help small businesses identify and manage common work related health risks including risks to breathing. The video below highlights risks to health from exposure to dusts and can be used to raise awareness and to start discussions with your workforce on the risks and controls needed in the work environment

This guidance on occupational health risk management in construction was written by the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) Health Risks Working Group. It offers advice on assessing the risks to health in the construction industry and the role of occupational health service provision in preventing or controlling those risks.

HAE Dust 2015 Code of Practice (CoP)
This document provides guidance on protecting the health of employees from construction dust risks.

Read HAE Dust in the workplace CoP (PDF, 5BB)

Construction dust - What you need to know as a busy builder
This is a useful sheet containing some essential tips to follow.

Read HSE Busy builder CIS78: Construction dust (PDF, 302KB)

Using on-tool extraction

This short guide developed by the CDP provides information on getting the right dust extraction kit, using it properly and keeping it well maintained.

CDP On Tool Extraction (PDF, 240KB)

HSE have produced an information sheet that provides more detailed guidance on choosing, using and maintaining on-tool extraction for controlling construction dust.

________________________________________________________________________

Cutting paving

The HSE Time to clear the air video gives simple advice on protecting workers and using water suppression when cutting kerbstones and paving. 

Cutting precast concrete blocks, flags and kerbs - efficient design and managing the risk. Information is available at The Interpave Pre Cast Concrete Paving and Kerb Association. Please note, you will need to register on Interpave's site.

_________________________________________________________________________

Using respiratory equipment (RPE face masks)

It is important for managers and their workers to understand how, when and why to select the correct mask. 

  • HSE and Healthy Working Lives have produced an RPE selector tool to help you select the correct respirator for many of the jobs your workers carry out.
  • The Fit2Fit Scheme is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing face piece fit testing.  
  • A PDF download that outlines facts and best practice for the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) when issued as a means of control to prevent the inhalation of hazardous substances at work where users have facial hair.

_________________________________________________________________________

General guidance

This HSE information sheet tells employers, safety representatives and workers what they need to know to prevent or adequately control construction dust risks. It includes a useful table describing the expected controls for common high risk activities.

Read the HSE Construction dust information sheet CIS36 (PDF, 793KB)

This sheet advises on the reported adverse health effects associated with different woods and will help you take suitable precautions so that you can avoid or minimise their ill-health effects.

Terry the former stoneworker suffering with silicosis
Terry suffers from silicosis after being exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) at work. Terry worked for over 30 years with different types of stone. He has developed silicosis – a serious respiratory condition that will almost certainly shorten his life after breathing in RCS. Silicosis can develop in workers exposed to RCS in a number of industries including construction, stone working, quarrying, brick making and ceramics
Find out more about Terry

Construction dust: Worker's stories
Construction dust is not just a nuisance. It can seriously damage your health and cause life changing lung diseases. Here are some examples of the impact that dust has had on peoples lives.
Find out more about worker's stories

Selection of case studies from BOHS Breathe Freely site
Supporting case studies from actual construction projects which show real benefits from control solutions in a construction site context.
Find out more about the case studies from BOHS Breathe Freely site

Efficient design for safe construction using precast concrete kerbs
Interpave manufacturer members offer a range of kerb solutions to the HSE requirement for a hierarchical ‘AMC’ approach - Avoid cutting, Minimise cutting, Control dust generation during cutting. This approach is clearly demonstrated in this case study.
Find out more about the case studies from Interpave

Toolbox talk
This single side of A4 promotes the key messages for workers and can be delivered out on site.

Presentations
These PowerPoint presentations with speaker’s notes have been developed so you can raise awareness of the issues.

Leaflet
The CDP has produced a leaflet to raise awareness of the group and our website. It can be freely downloaded and/or printed to hand out at workplaces, events, etc.

Posters
These two posters produced by the CDP are designed to raise awareness amongst workers to stop and think about the tasks they are doing and the effects on their health. You can use the space at the bottom to add company details or key messages relevant to the job.

CITB Resources - Free dust related content

  • GE700 Construction site safety – Chapter B10 Dust and fumes. This chapter explains what dust is, what it can do to the human body, and what must be done to minimise exposure to protect the workforce.
  • GE706 Site supervision simplified – Chapter B10 Dust and fumes. This chapter summarises what employers need to and what supervisors need to minimise exposure and protect the workforce.
  • GT700 Toolbox talks – TBT B14 – Silica dust. This toolbox talk can be used to as a guide to deliver key messages to the workforce

To view the chapters:

  • Click on, ‘Login as a guest’ 
  • Click on the, 'Taster publications' link

he Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG)
The mission of the HCLG is to unite the construction industry in order to eradicate the ill health and disease caused by exposures to health hazards on building sites. The home page contains a powerful video “committing construction to a healthier future.”

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) ‘No Time to Lose’ initiative
IOSH have launched the silica phase of their campaign – the website contains free resources, guidance, trade fact sheets and case studies.

British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) ‘Clean Air? Take Care!’ campaign
This BSIF led campaign (with HSE) centres on raising awareness among respiratory protective equipment (RPE) users, employers, fit testers and advisors on the correct selection, deployment, use, maintenance and storage of RPE.