The Tile Association (TTA) once again emphasises the importance of wet cutting and safe working conditions when working with engineered stone on site. Employers have a duty to ensure that appropriate control measures are in place to protect workers and meet regulatory requirements.
Silica is a natural substance found abundantly in rocks, sand, clay and many construction products such as bricks and concrete, including engineered stone. When cut or drilled, engineered stone produces fine silica dust, otherwise known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Depending on the type of crushed stone used in the manufacture of the engineered stone it will have varying levels of RCS, with quartz averaging 95% but marble, for example, usually less than 3% – it isn’t one size fits all.
Without proper precautions, RCS can be breathed into the lungs and cause silicosis. Though irreversible, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stresses that silicosis is entirely preventable. TTA would therefore like to reiterate the importance of best practice and safe installation practices.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, employers must assess and control workers’ exposure to RCS. Failures to implement effective exposure control strategies include:
- Dry cutting
- Lack of on-tool water suppression
- Insufficient mist control
- Inadequate or absent respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
- Failures in health surveillance
- Machinery guarding issues
HSE’s inspectors are taking a serious approach to businesses in breach of standards. Learn more about HSE’s guidance for working with engineered stone and take action.
HSE is also organising a one-day training course on controlling exposures to respirable crystalline silica, aimed at those with a responsibility for managing RCS exposure risks within a workplace. This course is currently available to book on two dates:
- 17/11/2026, 9:00am–4:00pm, Buxton (HSE Science and Research Centre)
- 23/02/2027, 9:15am–4:15pm, Buxton (HSE Science and Research Centre)
Alternatively, in-house training can be arranged. Visit www.hse.gov.uk/products/training-and-events/our-courses.htm for more information about HSE’s training opportunities.
Finally, TTA would like to remind its members that technical advice is available as a benefit of membership. Further information is available for purchase in TTA’s Technical Publications via tiles.org.uk/technical-support/technical-publications/, which members can view and download for free. Please email technical@tile.org.uk or call 0300 365 8453 if you have any questions.
