Cutting, grinding, drilling or crushing concrete, brick, stone and some other materials can release very fine dust that goes deep into the lungs. Long-term exposure can cause serious lung disease, including silicosis and lung cancer.
Key points
- Employers must assess the risk and have an exposure control plan where workers may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica.
- Controls come first at the source: wet cutting, tools with dust capture, enclosures and ventilation. A respirator is the last line, not the first.
- Workers must be instructed and trained in the hazards and in the controls for their task.
- Do not dry-sweep or use compressed air to clean off dust. Use wet methods or a suitable HEPA vacuum.
- Keep dusty work clothes out of your vehicle and home where practicable, and wash up before eating or drinking.
- If you wear a respirator, it must be the right type, fit-tested and used correctly.
Ask the crew
- Which tasks today make dust, and how are we controlling it at the source?
- Is the water supply or dust capture working on each tool?
- Who is fit-tested for the respirators on this job?
Sign-off sheet
The PDF includes a sign-off sheet with date, location, presenter and nine signature lines. Print it, run the talk and keep the signed copy with your site safety records.
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Sources
Regulation references were checked against the online OHS Regulation in October 2026. Regulations change: confirm against the current text and your employer procedures. General information, not legal advice.