Small amounts of fine dust over a shift can exceed safe limits. Relying on “how it looks” is misleading—respirable particles are often invisible. UK Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) in HSE EH40 set the benchmark. For respirable crystalline silica (RCS), the WEL is 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA). Hardwood dusts have tighter limits than softwood. The practical challenge is keeping exposure below these levels during real tasks.

Judge exposure by task, not by day

• Identify peak producers: dry cutting, chasing, raking mortar, sanding, and sweeping.
• Short, intense tasks can dominate the shift average. Control peaks and you usually control exposure.
• Use a simple particulate monitor to verify improvements when you change methods or equipment.

Controls that move the needle

At source

• Switch to wet methods or on-tool LEV with the correct shroud.
• Match extraction to dust class: M-Class for wood/general, H-Class for RCS. Check airflow under load, not free-air.
• Keep blades/bits sharp and feeds steady to reduce dust generation.

In the air

• Use air scrubbers or negative air where dust can migrate. For respirable, carcinogenic dusts, use H14 filtration.
• Position units to pull air across the work area and away from occupied zones. A MAXVAC Dustblocker can provide background control when tasks vary through the day.

On surfaces

• Avoid sweeping; vacuum with industrial units and sealed disposal. Set mid-shift cleans.
• Maintain filters and gaskets; clogged filters collapse control and push exposure up.

Verifying “safe enough”

• Spot-check with a PM meter to compare methods and confirm trends.
• When in doubt, arrange personal sampling to benchmark exposure against WELs.
• Provide RPE appropriate to the residual risk; for RCS, P3 with fit testing is typical.

Keep the focus on peak control, equipment performance under load, and routine maintenance. That combination is what keeps exposure below dangerous levels and within HSE expectations.