No. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has made it clear that dry cutting, grinding and polishing engineered stone is no longer considered an acceptable method of working. Employers are now expected to use on-tool water suppression and other appropriate control measures to minimise workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.
The HSE introduced this updated guidance following growing evidence linking exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust with serious and incurable lung diseases, including silicosis. Research undertaken by the HSE found that dry fabrication can expose workers to respirable crystalline silica levels between five and ten times higher than equivalent wet-cutting methods, significantly increasing the risk to health.
The HSE’s guidance sets out the key measures employers should now adopt, including:
- Using engineered stone with the lowest practicable crystalline silica content.
- Using on-tool water suppression whenever cutting, grinding or polishing engineered stone.
- Controlling any mist generated during wet processing.
- Providing suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
- Carrying out appropriate health surveillance for employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust.
To support compliance with the latest HSE guidance, Guardian Ventures supplies innovative silica-free engineered stone surfaces, independently tested to contain trace levels of less than 1% crystalline silica. However, water suppression and safe working practices should still be used whenever processing our surfaces, as cutting any engineered stone can generate airborne dust.
The HSE has also announced a nationwide programme of workplace inspections to ensure businesses are adopting the appropriate control measures. If your business currently dry cuts engineered stone, now is the time to review your fabrication processes, update your COSHH risk assessments and implement safer methods of working.
If you’d like advice on transitioning to safer working practices, selecting lower-silica materials or reducing on-site processing through professional fabrication, please contact the Guardian Ventures Technical Advice Line. Our experienced team will be happy to help.