Plaster & Gypsum Dust COSHH assessment
Sanding plaster, fillers and plasterboard creates fine nuisance dust that irritates the eyes and airways and can trigger asthma with heavy or repeated exposure. It is a common hazard for plasterers and decorators.
The hazards
- Fine dust from sanding plaster, filler and plasterboard
- Irritant to eyes, nose and throat
- Can trigger asthma with heavy exposure
- Old plaster may sit alongside other hazards (check for asbestos)
Who is at risk
Exposure routes
- Inhalation of fine dust
- Eye and skin contact
Health effects
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Aggravation of asthma
- Skin dryness and irritation
Control measures (hierarchy of control)
Controls should be applied in order — eliminate or substitute first, then engineering controls, then PPE as the last line.
- Use dustless sanding — sanders with on-tool extraction
- Damp down and vacuum with an M-class vacuum; never dry-sweep
- Ventilate the area and protect occupied rooms
- Check pre-2000 buildings for asbestos before disturbing surfaces
- RPE for extended sanding where extraction is not enough
PPE & RPE
- FFP3 mask for extended sanding
- Eye protection
- Gloves
First aid
- Move to fresh air if breathing is affected
- Rinse eyes with clean water
Workplace exposure limit (WEL)
Relevant legislation & guidance
Plaster & Gypsum Dust COSHH FAQs
It is a nuisance dust rather than a poison, but fine plaster and filler dust irritates the eyes and airways and can trigger asthma with heavy or repeated exposure. Dustless sanding and good ventilation keep it under control.
Yes — in buildings built or refurbished before 2000, artex and some plaster systems can contain asbestos. Check the asbestos survey before disturbing old surfaces and stop if you find suspect material.
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