Not all dust is equal. Risk depends on what the particle is made of, how small it is, and how the task releases it. Recognising these factors lets you apply proportionate, effective controls.

What drives hazard

• Chemistry and toxicity: RCS damages lung tissue; hardwood dust is linked to nasal cancer; some metals affect the nervous system.
• Size and shape: respirable particles (PM4 and below) reach deep lung; fibres such as asbestos lodge and persist.
• Solubility and persistence: insoluble dusts remain in the lungs longer, increasing chronic risk.
• Biological and food dusts: flour and grain dust can trigger asthma and, when suspended, can explode.
• Mixes and synergy: welding fume plus grinding dust can amplify harm and overload controls.

Control what matters most

• Identify the dust via COSHH assessments and Safety Data Sheets; assume high risk if in doubt.
• Prevent generation: choose pre‑cut materials, score rather than grind, and use water suppression.
• Extract at source with LEV; confirm airflow under load and seal shrouds.
• Use appropriate filtration: M‑Class for most wood/general dust; H‑Class and H14 air filtration for respirable/carcinogenic dusts.
• Housekeeping: vacuum only; ban sweeping and compressed air. Bag and seal waste promptly.
• Monitor: use PM meters for trends and personal sampling for substances like RCS.
• Protect people: FFP3 RPE with face‑fit testing where residual risk remains.

Special cases

If you suspect asbestos, stop and follow UK legal procedures—do not disturb. For combustible dusts, manage ignition sources, earth equipment, and control dust layers as well as airborne levels.

Practical takeaways

• Risk rises as particles get smaller, more persistent, or more toxic.
• Tailor controls to the hazard: source capture first, then air and surfaces.
• Select filter class deliberately; use H14 where respirable or carcinogenic dusts are present.
• Verify with measurement and maintain equipment to sustain performance.

By focusing on the properties that drive harm, you can deploy the right controls early and keep exposure demonstrably low.