Concrete grinding and polishing can generate high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Uncontrolled, it drives exposure, damages plant and risks complaints beyond site boundaries. Effective control hinges on source capture, air management and disciplined housekeeping.

Capture at source

Use grinders and polishers with close-fitting shrouds and maintain skirt contact. Pair with industrial vacuums sized for the tool’s real airflow demand under load; short, smooth, anti-static hoses preserve flow. Select appropriate diamond bonds and avoid aggressive passes that create excess dust. Where feasible, use water-fed grinding to suppress dust and immediately collect slurry with a wet vacuum—preventing it from drying into airborne particulate.

Control in the air

Supplement on-tool capture with air scrubbers or negative air machines equipped with HEPA (H14 recommended for fine respirable dust). Position units to pull across the workface and prevent dust drift into adjacent trades. Duct exhaust outside where practical; if recirculating, check seals and monitor PM to confirm effective removal. Rugged units, including those from MAXVAC, are commonly used to maintain clear air during continuous floor works.

Capture on surfaces

Do not dry sweep concrete dust. Vacuum floors, cable runs and ledges frequently with H-class filtration to prevent re-suspension. For wet methods, collect and contain slurry promptly; allow only controlled drying in sealed containers to avoid secondary dusting. Keep walkways damp-wiped or vacuumed, and bag waste at source.

RPE, monitoring and assurance

Provide FFP3 RPE, fit-tested and worn consistently during grinding, cleanup and bag changes. Track particulate levels with a PM meter to optimise air changes and schedule filter maintenance. Remember HSE’s WEL for RCS is 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA); practical controls should aim well below this.

Practical takeaways

• Maintain shrouds and airflow under load; keep hoses short and anti-static.
• Use water suppression with immediate slurry capture where feasible.
• Add H14 HEPA air scrubbers; manage pressure and exhaust routing.
• Vacuum only—no sweeping; bag waste at source.
• Fit-test FFP3 and verify performance with PM readings.

Applied as a system, these steps reduce exposure, improve finish quality and keep programmes on track.