Dry weather conditions increase the risk of Silica Dust airborne particles in various work environments.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has updated its critical guidance document on “Health Surveillance for Those Exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)”. The refreshed guidance, released in March 2025, serves as an important reminder for employers to evaluate their compliance with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, particularly as dry conditions can exacerbate dust-related hazards.
Employer Obligations Under COSHH
The updated HSE guidance emphasises that health surveillance is a legal requirement when workers face foreseeable health risks from hazardous substances like RCS. Employers must:
- Identify exposure risks: Assess where and when dust exposure might occur
- Implement effective controls: Including wet cutting methods, proper dust extraction systems, and appropriate Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
- Establish comprehensive health surveillance: Including regular lung function tests, medical evaluations, and detailed record-keeping
- Inform workers: Ensure all employees understand the risks and recognize the importance of reporting symptoms
Understanding the Dangers of RCS
Respirable Crystalline Silica is produced when common construction materials – including concrete, stone, rock, slate, and tile – undergo cutting, drilling, grinding, sanding, or polishing. These processes release microscopic silica particles that are invisible under normal lighting conditions but can penetrate deep into workers’ lungs.
Prolonged or intense exposure to RCS can lead to several serious health conditions. It’s crucial to recognise that RCS exposure isn’t limited to those directly operating cutting or drilling equipment. During dry, windy conditions, silica dust can travel significant distances, potentially affecting:
- Site labourers performing cleanup duties
- Workers in adjacent areas
- Anyone in proximity to dust-generating activities
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