Construction Dust: The Silent Killer

Construction dust is the dust created during almost all construction or demolition work.

From drilling and sawing to chiselling, cabling and even sweeping – the dust that is produced can be extremely harmful, even if workers are only exposed to it for a short period of time.

Why should you be worried?

The majority of building materials contain a substance called Silica which, when inhaled, can result in a range of long latency diseases, ranging from asthma to silicosis and even lung disease. The HSE believe that at least 500 lives are lost every year as a direct result of dust-related diseases.

In the long term, the risk associated with construction dust has been compared to that of asbestos, with many expecting the illness, disability and even death rate to increase substantially in the near future.

‘Just part of the job’

The problem is that many workers, and even employers, don’t see construction dust as a risk, and view it more as an unavoidable, occupational hazard – similarly to how asbestos was viewed not too long ago! This means that in many workplaces where workers are at significant risk, PPE, such as face masks and extraction equipment, is overlooked and not enforced as an essential safety precaution.

One of the biggest problems is that despite the daily exposure limit being tiny, even a very small amount of dust can be extremely harmful. Often the particles of dust are not even visible, and because it can hang about in the air for some time after the activity that caused the dust has ceased, a lack of understanding can lead to extensive but completely accidental exposure.

Construction Dust Partnership

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and many other other well-respected organisations in the sectors affected, are growing increasingly concerned as a result. That’s why the HSE is using a two-pronged approach to tackle this underestimated risk to our workforce, the first being site inspections to enforce the use of PPE, and the second a dedicated campaign group called the Construction Dust Partnership, which is made up of representatives from a range of relevant groups.

The Partnership’s job is to raise awareness and understanding of the risks through seminars that get the message across that construction dust is not ‘just part of that job’ – it can cause serious long term illnesses and even death, but can be protected against.

Clean Construction

Although it is impossible to have a construction site without dust, it is not impossible to provide PPE and take preventative measures that could save lives.

The HSE want to encourage the everyday use of face masks, and breathing apparatus if necessary, until it becomes as natural as putting on a hard hat.

Water suppression systems that dampen the dust and clean it away, as well as industrial filters, vacuums and extraction equipment to remove the dust can all help to minimise the danger. That said, it’s essential the equipment used offers the right level of protection, categorised as M Class equipment. Standard filters, such as HEPA, do not offer adequate protection.

Educate your workers

As a business owner, if you are concerned about the effects of dust on your workers and business, the best thing you can do is educate yourself and your workers. Professional risk assessment training will help you to identify the areas and people most at risk and implement effective health and safety policies to reduce this risk. PPE training will encourage your workers to use the right equipment in at-risk areas, and will enable you to supply and maintain this equipment, ensuring it is always available.

For any more information about how to protect against construction dust, or to arrange tailored training to help you keep your workforce safe, contact the expert team at Health and Safety Training Ltd.