Water suppression reduces dust, but it does not make cutting dust-free. Mist escapes, slurry dries back into fine particulate, and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) remains a risk. Relying on water alone can leave you above the HSE WEL for RCS (0.1 mg/m³) without realising.

Where wet control falls short

• Insufficient water flow or poor distribution leaves parts of the blade dry, creating a dust plume at the leading edge.
• Wind and cross-draughts carry mist and fine aerosol beyond the work zone, especially outdoors or near doorways.
• Slurry management is often overlooked. Dried slurry becomes dust again during clean-up or vehicle movement.
• Indoor cutting concentrates humidity and aerosol; visibility improves but respirable fractions (PM4 and below) can persist.

Make wet cutting work safely

• Use the full three-layer approach: capture at source with a shrouded tool and LEV, control the room with an air scrubber or negative air machine, and clean surfaces with an H-class industrial vacuum.
• Tune the water delivery. Even, continuous flow is better than intermittent dousing. Avoid over-wetting that floods the cut and spreads slurry.
• Position extraction to intercept the plume. A tool-mounted nozzle is most effective; supplement with a local hood where feasible.
• Contain slurry. Barrier off the area, use bunds or trays, lift wet waste promptly, and double-bag. Never dry sweep.
• Verify with a particulate monitor. Spot-check PM and note readings alongside tasks and weather/ventilation conditions.

Housekeeping that prevents re-exposure

• Allow time for the air scrubber to run after cutting to reduce airborne particulate before clean-up.
• Vacuum residues with H-class filtration; avoid mopping that spreads fines. Where mopping is required, use fresh water and discard after each area.
• Check PPE assumptions. RPE complements controls; it does not replace them. Fit test and select appropriate APF.

Wet cutting is useful, but it is not a free pass. Combine water with local exhaust ventilation, room control, and disciplined housekeeping to keep exposures low and work efficient.