Clear communication on dust is not just compliance. It keeps people healthy, avoids disputes, and protects programme. Many workers underestimate silica dust and fine particulates because they are often invisible. A short, structured approach turns dust control from a rule into routine practice.

Make it real for the task

Anchor the message to today’s activities and materials. Explain the dust type (e.g. respirable crystalline silica from concrete, hardwood dust, or welding fume) and the likely routes of exposure. Use plain, specific language: cutting concrete without extraction can exceed the HSE WEL for RCS of 0.1 mg/m³ very quickly.

• State the task, tool, and control: “Chasing blockwork with on-tool LEV and water suppression.”
• Show the control hierarchy: capture at source, control in the air, clean surfaces safely.
• Explain what good looks like: sealed shrouds, correct filters, no sweeping or compressed air.

Run a 5-minute toolbox talk

• Hazard: what dust, why it harms lungs, long-latency risk.
• Controls: on-tool extraction, water, air scrubber or LEV, M-Class/H-Class vacuums.
• Checks: filter fitted, airflow under load acceptable, seals and hoses intact.
• Behaviour: wear RPE when specified, keep barriers closed, report failures immediately.
• What if: stop the task if capture fails; escalate to the supervisor.

Use visuals and simple data

Post zone signs and photos of correct set-ups. A quick particulate reading before and during the task helps people see the difference controls make. Keep it simple: a handheld PM meter snapshot in mg/m³ and a note of the control used.

Briefing clients without the jargon

Clients need reassurance, not acronyms. Summarise how dust will be prevented, controlled, and cleaned, how spaces are segregated, and how you will verify conditions. Offer a named contact and response times for concerns.

Evidence that builds trust

• Short daily log: tasks, controls, issues, fixes.
• LEV and vacuum maintenance tags and dates.
• Before/after photos of containment and housekeeping.
• Spot PM readings for high-risk tasks.

Practical takeaways

• Keep messages task-based and plain English.
• Use the three layers: source, air, surfaces.
• Show controls working with quick checks and photos.
• Give clients a simple plan, contact, and evidence.

With consistent, task-focused messaging, teams understand why controls matter and clients see that dust management is planned, measured, and reliable.