Controlling dust in the workplace

Key Takeaways

• Employers must control dust hazards under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

• The hierarchy of control begins with eliminating risks and concludes with the use of PPE as a last resort.

• Effective measures include modifying processes, implementing engineering controls, adhering to safe working practices, and providing training.

• Dust risk assessments help identify hazards and decide on the best control measures.

• Some particulate matter, like silica and wood, poses a high risk and requires strict control measures.

For a full overview of Dust Health and Safety, see our Dust topic page.

What Are Dust Hazards in the Workplace?

Dust hazards are airborne particles that can harm health if inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the skin. In workplaces like the construction industry, manufacturing plants, and woodworking facilities, exposure can lead to negative health effects such as lung cancer, asthma, and even cancer.

Under COSHH Regulations and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers have a legal duty to identify hazards, assess the risks, and implement effective control measures. Some airborne particles, including silica and wood, are classed as particularly hazardous due to their long-term health impacts.

For a deep dive on dust and its health risks, read our Can You Get Sick from Dust Inhalation? article.

Why Must Employers Control Dust Hazards?

Employers are required by law to protect employees and others from the hazards of dust.
The main reasons include:

• Preventing occupational lung diseases like silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Meeting legal obligations under COSHH and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

• Avoiding fines, prosecution, and reputational damage.

• Creating a healthier and more productive work environment.

A risk assessment (see guidance on risk assessments from the Health and Safety Executive) helps identify what type of dust is present, how much is generated, and which control measures are needed.

What Is the Hierarchy of Dust Control Measures?

The hierarchy of control is a structured method for managing dust hazards. It ranks control methods from most to least effective:

1. Eliminate the hazard

2. Modify the process or material

3. Apply engineering controls

4. Change working practices

5. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE)

Employers should start with the highest level of control possible and only move down the list if higher measures are not feasible.

How Can You Modify a Process to Reduce Dust?

If you can’t eliminate the material, modify the process or material form to reduce the amount of dust. Examples include:

• Using materials in pellet, paste, or emulsion form instead of powders.

• Changing cutting techniques to reduce airborne particles.

• Damping down dusty materials before processing.

This step helps reduce high dust levels before they become airborne, making other control measures more effective.

What Are Engineering Controls for Dust?

Engineering controls manage airborne particles at their source. While not as reliable as elimination or substitution, they are still highly effective when maintained correctly.

How Do You Enclose the Process?

Enclosing or isolating dust-producing activities prevents the spread of particles. For example:

• Using sealed booths or remote-controlled machinery.

• Storing dusty materials in enclosed areas or behind windbreaks.

How Do You Extract Dust Emissions?

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) removes dust from the air before it reaches workers. Systems should be placed close to the source of the particulate matter and regularly maintained.

What Is Wet Dust Suppression?

Wet dust suppression uses water sprays (often on cutting tools) to prevent matter from becoming airborne. Continuous water supply is essential — either from pressurised bottles or a mains connection.

What Working Practices Help Control Dust?

Administrative controls reduce dust exposure through work planning and safe habits:

• Limit the time workers spend in dusty areas.

• Use cleaning methods like wet cleaning or vacuuming instead of dry sweeping.

• Require workers to wash after dusty tasks to avoid spreading contaminants.

• Keep work areas tidy and free from particulate matter build-up.

These measures are most effective when combined with engineering controls and proper training.

Why Is Training Essential for Dust Control?

Even the best control measures fail without proper training. Workers, including cleaning and maintenance staff, should be trained to:

• Understand the occupational health risks of airborne particles.

• Use control measures correctly and check they are working.

• Follow safe working practices, hygiene routines and emergency procedures.

• Respond to dust-related emergencies or spillages.

Training should be refreshed regularly and adapted for new processes or equipment.

What Are Examples of Dust Hazards in Construction?

Construction workers often face hazards from cutting, drilling, grinding, and demolition. Common examples include:

• Silica dust from concrete, stone, and brick can create fine dust particles.

• Wood dust from sawing and sanding timber.

• Cement dust from mixing and handling cement.

Construction dust requires a tailored control strategy, combining elimination, engineering controls, safe practices, and PPE.

How Does a Dust Risk Assessment Work?

A dust risk assessment involves:

1. Identifying dust hazards (type, source, quantity).

2. Determining who may be exposed (employees, contractors, the public).

3. Evaluating risk levels and selecting control measures.

4. Recording findings (required for 5+ employees).

5. Reviewing and updating regularly.

What Are Common Checklist Items for a Dust Risk Assessment?

A checklist helps ensure all hazards and controls are reviewed systematically.

Typical items include:

• Identify dust sources and types.

• Measure levels and compare with exposure limits.

• Identify exposed people.

• Assess the level of risk by determining the duration and frequency of exposure.

• Evaluate existing controls.

• Record findings and assign responsibilities.

• Schedule review dates.

Employers can adapt our dust risk assessment template for their workplace. To learn more about Types of Dust in the Workplace, check our Knowledge Bank.

Are There Tools or Technologies to Monitor and Manage Dust Levels?

Yes. Modern technology allows continuous monitoring and better control of airborne dust levels.

Examples include:

• Personal monitors — worn by workers to measure exposure.

• Fixed monitors track particulate levels in specific areas.

• Real-time particle counters provide instant readings.

• LEV systems with airflow sensors — to ensure performance.

• Automated suppression systems mist or foam large areas.

• Data logging software — to track and report on hazardous matter trends.

These tools support compliance with COSHH regulations and help verify that measures are effective.

Final Thoughts: Managing Dust Hazards Effectively

Managing dust hazards is not only a legal duty but also a key part of keeping your workplace safe and productive. By following the hierarchy of control, from elimination to PPE, and combining measures with regular training, you can significantly reduce exposure risks.

Further Learning
If you want to improve your team’s understanding of hazards and control measures, our Dust Awareness Training Course covers:

• Understand the dangers of dust exposure in the workplace.

• Be aware of the regulations surrounding dust.

• Understand the main methods used to prevent and control exposure to dust.