Dangers of Breathing in Stone Dust

Ensuring Safety from Harmful Dust When Installing Stone Worktops

When installing stone worktops, protecting yourself from harmful dust is essential. This guide outlines the necessary precautions during installation to ensure your safety. Always wear appropriate protective gear, such as masks and goggles, to minimize exposure to dust particles. Additionally, work in a well-ventilated area to help disperse any harmful substances that may be generated. Following these safety measures will help create a safer work environment and reduce health risks associated with dust exposure.

The Risks of Stone Dust Exposure

Dust from natural, artificial, or engineered stone poses serious health risks. This guidance is designed for stone worktop installers and anyone who cuts or works with stone materials.

Dangers of Breathing in Stone Dust

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS), present in stone dust, can cause severe lung diseases, including:

• Silicosis

• Lung cancer

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  
  

RCS is a hazardous substance, and employers are legally required to assess and manage dust exposure risks. RCS is found in most rocks, sands, clays, bricks, tiles, and concrete. When these materials are cut, sanded, carved, or ground, fine dust particles are released, which can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

To minimize risks, follow best practices and legal requirements for dust control.

Training and Information

• Employers must ensure workers handling stone receive appropriate training.

• Self-employed workers must comply with the same legal duties as employers.

• Workers should understand:

  
  

  • The risks of RCS exposure

  • How they may be exposed

  • Control measures to reduce risk

Pre-Installation Checks

Before beginning installation:

• Ensure all installers are trained to work safely with stone.

• Inspect tools and equipment:

  • Check filters in on-tool extraction systems, vacuums, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

  • Confirm water suppression systems are functioning correctly.

    
    

• Establish procedures for reporting health and safety concerns.

  
  

During Installation

To control harmful dust exposure on-site:

• Maintain an adequate water supply for dust suppression.

• Designate separate areas for any necessary cutting tasks.

• Perform minor modifications in a ventilated, restricted-access area (preferably outdoors), using appropriate dust control measures.

  
  

Reducing Risk

• Use water suppression or on-tool extraction with a shroud and M-class vacuum.

• Turn off heating or air-conditioning systems that could resuspend dust.

• Wear an FFP3 face mask (RPE) with an assigned protection factor (APF) of at least 20 unless monitoring data indicates a lower level is sufficient.

  
  

Post-Installation Cleanup

Proper cleanup is essential to prevent dust exposure.

• Clean immediately using wet methods (e.g., low-pressure water hoses or M-class vacuums).

• Continue wearing an RPE during cleanup.

• Dispose of stone waste (wet slurry and dust) safely.

• Keep personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing clean to avoid transferring dust.

• Do not dry sweep or use compressed air for cleaning.

• Discard disposable PPE and RPE after each shift.

  
  

Legal Responsibilities

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), employers must:

• Assess and manage dust exposure risks.

• Provide workers with appropriate training and protective measures.

  
  

For Self-Employed Workers

Self-employed individuals have the same responsibilities as employers and workers to prevent dust exposure.

Further Guidance

For more information, consult COSHH advice sheets for stoneworkers to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices for RCS exposure control.