PCR Global Limited

Construction dust

SAFE WORKING PROCEDURE

SWP No.
Construction dust: Cutting paving blocks, kerbs and flags

1.0 Hazards, risks and PPE

Key Hazards Key Risks Personal Protective Equipment
Construction dust. Silicosis, Lung cancer, Chronic RPE (Respiratory Protective
Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder Equipment), Coveralls, Eye
(COPD), Occupational asthma. protection.

2.0 What we must do (UK HSE Guidance)

Assess
Identify and assess: Using cut-off saws on paving, blocks or kerbs can produce very high levels of silica
containing dust. Anyone breathing in this dust cloud will be affected. Those using or very close to the cut-off
saw will be particularly at risk. Follow the control steps below.
Control
Prevent: Think about limiting the risks before work starts by:
 using lower energy equipment like a block splitter
 limiting the number of cuts during design / lay-out
 getting material cut off-site and delivered

Control: Even if we minimise some of the dust this way, we may still need to use a cut-off saw. Control the
risk by:

 Water – use a hand-held cut-off saw with a water suppression attachment. Connect this to a supply
of pressurised water container. Use water resistant markers if needed.
 On-tool extraction – use a specially adapted equipment with on-tool extraction. Select an H or M
class extraction unit. Make sure the extraction flow rate is right for the work. Hose connections should
be tight fitting and secure without obvious leaks.
 Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) – we also need RPE with an assigned protection factor of
20 (eg FFP3 disposable mask or half mask with a P3 filter). Make sure it is compatible with other
items of personal protective equipment being worn.  Fit testing is needed for tight fitting masks.
Review
 Supervise: Ensure controls are properly used and RPE is worn correctly. Anyone using tight fitting
masks also needs to be clean-shaven and face-fit tested.
 Maintain: Check water jets on the saw are clean, water containers well maintained and that any
extraction equipment is clear of blockages Replace seals and worn cutting discs when needed.
Properly store and maintain non-disposable RPE. Change filters as recommended by the supplier.
 Monitor: We may need a health surveillance (PDF)- Portable Document Format programme unless
we are sure exposure to silica dust is well below the recommended exposure limit.

What you should know

This work often involves a number of quick cuts done throughout the day. That does not mean it is low risk.
Uncontrolled cutting quickly produces very high levels of silica containing dust. The Workplace Exposure Limit
for silica is 0.1 mg/m3 when averaged over 8 hours.

3.0 Training and guidance

Training requirements Guidance
1. Construction dust 1. indg463: Control of exposure to silica dust
2. Use of RPE. 2. Construction dust: cis36

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Construction dust

4.0 Confirmation of understanding

Name of employee / Signature of Name of person providing
No. Date Time
worker (Print) employee / worker the SWP (Print)
1
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5.0 Confirmation of understanding and recognition of the SLAM Technique (below)

The employees / workers detailed above have signed to confirm that they:
1. Understand the requirements and shall work to the control measures within this safe work practice or
any associated risk assessments and/or method statement.
2. Will notify their Line Manager should there be any unsafe conditions or areas of concern regarding
the task.
3. Shall advise our company of any medical condition which may give rise to health or safety risks whilst
undertaking the task.
4. Shall follow the SLAM Technique.
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible.

‘Follow the SLAM Technique’

There are four stages to SLAM. Workers should:

Stop and engage your mind before your hands. Look at each step. Ask:
STOP Is this a new task? Has the task changed? When was the last time I did this task? Do I feel
comfortable doing this task? If not, do I need training?

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Construction dust

Look before, during and after completion of the task. Always:

LOOK Inspect the work area for potential hazards, eg unsecured ladders, untidiness; identify the
hazards for each step of the job/task; and evaluate what to do about them. Report issues
immediately to your supervisor.

Are you and your colleagues equipped to perform the task safely? Check they have the correct:
ASSESS
Knowledge; skills; training; and tools.

Whilst Managers should take appropriate action to eliminate or minimise any hazards on site.
You should:
MANAGE Manage and apply the correct controls and wear the correct PPE. If you feel unsafe, stop
working. Tell your supervisor and team mates. Tell your supervisor what actions you think are
necessary to make the situation safe.

Construction dust Page 3 of 3

Version: 01 © PCR Global Limited
Issue Date: 01 01 2020 ALL PRINTED COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED