Find out if this job crosses the dust limits, before HSE finds out for you.

For sole traders and small firms cutting, grinding, chasing or drilling in silica, wood or MDF. Covers RPE selection and action levels under COSHH.

1. What material are you working with?

2. What are you doing to it?

3. How long will you be doing this per day?

4. Is the work indoors or outdoors?

5. Is there water suppression on the tool?

Hose, misting attachment, or water-fed blade

6. Is there extraction or LEV (local exhaust ventilation)?

e.g. a dust extractor attached to the tool

7. What RPE (respiratory protective equipment) are you wearing?

A paper dust mask (surgical-style) provides NO protection against silica dust. Only a properly face-fit tested FFP2 or FFP3 mask counts.

What the law actually says

•The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require you to control exposure to respirable crystalline silica, wood dust and hardwood dust.
•Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) apply to 8-hour and 15-minute averages.
•HSE's Dust Kills campaign has made site visits more targeted in recent years.