Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) COSHH assessment
Respirable crystalline silica is released when cutting, grinding, drilling or chasing concrete, stone, brick, tile and mortar. It is one of the biggest long-term killers in construction, causing silicosis and lung cancer.
The hazards
- Fine respirable dust that lodges deep in the lungs
- Generated by cutting, grinding, drilling, chasing and demolition
- Invisible in the dangerous fraction — you cannot see the harmful particles
- A recognised human carcinogen
Who is at risk
Exposure routes
- Inhalation of respirable dust
Health effects
- Silicosis (irreversible lung scarring)
- Lung cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Increased risk of kidney disease
Control measures (hierarchy of control)
Controls should be applied in order — eliminate or substitute first, then engineering controls, then PPE as the last line.
- Eliminate — order materials cut to size, or use non-silica alternatives
- Water suppression at the point of cutting (wet-cutting)
- On-tool extraction (M-class or H-class LEV) where water is not practicable
- Limit the number of people exposed and rotate tasks
- RPE as a last line — never the only control
PPE & RPE
- FFP3 mask or powered respirator (face-fit tested)
- Eye protection
- Coveralls, cleaned or disposed of to avoid taking dust home
First aid
- Remove the person from the dusty area to fresh air
- Health surveillance is required for regular exposure — arrange via an occupational health provider
Workplace exposure limit (WEL)
Relevant legislation & guidance
Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) COSHH FAQs
The Workplace Exposure Limit is 0.1 mg/m³ over an 8-hour day, but because silica is carcinogenic you must reduce exposure as low as reasonably practicable — the WEL is a limit, not a target.
Use water suppression (wet-cutting) or on-tool dust extraction (M or H-class), keep people out of the dust, and wear a face-fit-tested FFP3 mask. RPE alone is never enough on its own.
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