The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has worked with the industry to create guidance that will help protect worktop installers. The new advice for installers, their managers and supervisors who are involved in the installation of stone worktops aims to help protect workers from the risks of silica dust, respirable crystalline silica (RCS). This matters because breathing in RCS over long periods of time can cause serious lung conditions, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

HSE advises that effective control is ‘likely to be achieved by a mixture of controls including local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for dust extraction, respiratory protection equipment (RPE), water suppression and process changes.’

It also outlines a number factors that impact the amount of dust workers might be exposed to:

• The type of stone installers are working (including both natural and artificial/engineered stone)

• The type of tool installers are using and whether it is a powered or hand-held tool

• How long installers are working with the tool

• How well employers are using any extraction system (local exhaust ventilation)

• The effectiveness of a mask (respiratory protective equipment)

• How the workshop is organised (including segregation of dusty activities and housekeeping arrangements)

HSE’s ‘Silica in Stoneworking’ campaign includes a table with simplified information covering: competent staff and effective processes, pre-installation, on-site installation and post-installation.

Visit workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/ to find out more and visit hse.gov.uk/stonemasonry/index.htm for more detailed guidance.