Concrete cutting and surface prep generate high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Uncontrolled, exposures can exceed the HSE WEL of 0.1 mg/m³ within minutes. A planned, layered approach keeps dust down and work moving.

Plan the cut

• Choose methods that minimise dust: wet cutting where feasible, or shrouded tools with extraction when dry.
• Score first, cut second; slower passes reduce pluming and improve control.
• Prefabricate outdoors where possible and keep pour heights low for mixing.

Capture at source

• Use tool-mounted shrouds matched to an industrial M- or H-class vacuum with adequate airflow under load.
• Maintain seals, hoses and brushes; a 10 mm leak can halve capture efficiency.
• Using equipment such as the MAXVAC AGS-125 with appropriate extraction helps keep cutting efficient while limiting escape.

Capture in the air

• Run portable air scrubbers with H14 filtration to control background particulate, especially indoors.
• Create a one-way air path and, for room works, set temporary negative air to stop migration into occupied spaces.

Capture on surfaces

• Do not sweep or use compressed air. Vacuum debris and fines with a high-efficiency unit; manage slurry by containing, wet-vacuuming and disposing per site plan.
• Fit FFP3 or P3 RPE where exposures may approach limits and ensure face-fit.

Verify and maintain

• Spot-check with a PM meter; if readings remain high, slow the cut, improve extraction seals or add air changes.
• Clean or change filters before performance drops; log checks in the RAMS and COSHH file.

By combining source extraction, H14 air cleaning and no-sweep housekeeping, teams can keep RCS near or below the WEL while hitting programme and quality targets.