Stone cutting, drilling, and crushing generate high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Exposure above control limits harms lungs and productivity, and can trigger costly downtime. The goal is simple: prevent dust becoming airborne, control what escapes, and stop re-agitation. The HSE WEL for RCS is 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA), so robust control is essential.

Plan, segregate, and schedule

Designate cutting, drilling, and crushing zones away from walkways, cabins, and welfare. Use wind direction to your advantage; site dusty tasks downwind of work crews. Enclose saw sheds and drilling stations where practicable, with access only for trained staff. Schedule the dustiest work when fewer people are present.

Capture at source

Prioritise wet methods: maintain water feeds on saws and core drills, use mist rings on breakers, and keep flow steady. Match blade type and feed speed to the material; slower passes often reduce plumes. Where fixed plant is used, apply local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at saw hoods and conveyor transfer points, keeping hoods close to emission sources and sealing gaps to prevent bypass.

Control dust in the air

In processing buildings, use air cleaners or LEV to maintain directional airflow away from workers. Choose high-efficiency filtration and consider H14 for respirable dusts. Position units to pull air across the process, not past workers’ breathing zones. Verify airflow under load rather than relying on free-air figures, and monitor particulate levels (PM10/PM2.5) during peak operations to confirm effectiveness.

Housekeeping without re-agitation

Avoid sweeping or compressed air; both re-suspend fine particles. Use industrial vacuums with appropriate filtration (M-Class minimum for mineral dusts; H-Class where RCS is present). Dampen floors before scraping, keep conveyors and chutes clean, and bag fines promptly. Provide wheel-wash and hard-stand areas to stop dust tracking onto roads.

PPE, maintenance, and checks

Issue RPE with adequate protection factors, ensure face-fit testing, and keep spares and hygiene consumables on hand. Implement a filter maintenance schedule: check pressure drops, seal integrity, and dust discharge systems. Record all inspections and adjust controls if air monitoring approaches action levels.

Practical takeaways

• Use water suppression on all cutting, drilling, and breaking where feasible.
• Fit LEV to fixed saws and transfer points; keep hoods close and sealed.
• Place air cleaners to draw dust away from people; prioritise H14 for respirable dusts.
• Measure airflow under load and verify with a particulate monitor.
• Ban sweeping; use industrial vacuums and damp methods for clean-up.
• Maintain equipment and keep logs; review controls if readings rise.

Integrating source control, air control, and disciplined housekeeping will keep exposure below limits, protect teams, and sustain productivity across quarry and stone workshops.