You can't see the dust that does the damage. Wet it, extract it, and wear the right mask — every cut, every time.
Start safeControl the riskStop when it changes
Scroll the journey
1
When it applies
If you're doing any of this, this guide is in play.
Concrete cutting
Chasing
Grinding
Drilling
Jackhammering
Scabbling
Render removal
Mortar work
2
Before you start
Before the work begins, the Site Supervisor confirms — and you check your own work area.
Silica-containing materials
Task duration
Ventilation
Other persons nearby
Waste handling
3
The controls
Work down the hierarchy — collective protection first, PPE last. PPE never carries the job on its own.
The RPD rule
Use wet methods or on-tool extraction, isolate the work, wear fit-tested respiratory protection, and clean with wet methods or a HEPA vacuum.
Wet methodsOn-tool extractionFit-tested RPEHEPA clean-upHold point — never skip
Dry processing is not permitted unless an approved risk assessment confirms equivalent controls.
Wet suppression or on-tool extraction goes on the tool before the first cut — not after the dust appears.
5
Stop & escalate
See any one of these? The job stops until it's fixed — no exceptions.
- Dust visible outside the work zone
- Extraction or water suppression fails
Stop work→ tell the Site Supervisor → don't restart until the control is back and the SWMS is reviewed.
6
What gets recorded
The job isn't done until the evidence exists. Live records go in Breadcrumb.
Breadcrumb · live site
- SWMS
- SDS if product-related
- Inductions / training records
- Pre-starts & toolbox talks
- Hazard reporting for uncontrolled dust