How do I complete a COSHH assessment for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) in the UK?

To complete a UK COSHH assessment for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades): identify the substance and its hazards (see this page), assess who is exposed and how, evaluate the risk level, list existing and required control measures, specify PPE, cover storage and disposal, and document emergency procedures. Use our free generator to produce a compliant HSE-format PDF in 5 minutes.

UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades)?

The recommended PPE for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) typically includes: FFP3 respirator (mandatory for any dry cutting); Full body coverall for high-exposure tasks; Eye protection. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash to remove dust. Eye contact: Rinse with water to remove dust particles. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop. Report to HSE if occupational exposure without controls. Ingestion: Rinse mouth. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) (also known as Silica, Respirable Crystalline Silica, RCS). Covers workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005, GHS hazard classification, control measures, PPE, storage, spillage and emergency procedures. Use the data here to complete your own COSHH assessment, or generate a workplace-specific PDF in 5 minutes.

Saad

Founder, coshhassessments.co.uk

@saad7038 on X·About·Updated 21 July 2026

Baseline Risk Rating

High

CAS Number: 14808-60-7

Physical Form: Fine dust released when cutting, drilling, grinding stone, concrete, brick, tile

Common Names: Silica, Respirable Crystalline Silica, RCS, Concrete Dust, Sand Dust, Stone Dust

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Important noteThis reference summary is compiled from HSE EH40/2005 and publicly available manufacturer Safety Data Sheets. It is not the manufacturer's official SDS for any specific product. Before relying on any COSHH assessment based on this data, cross-check against the SDS supplied with the specific product you use in your workplace. See our methodology page for how we source and verify data.

GHS Hazard Classification

Carcinogen Cat 1A (H350 - lung cancer), STOT RE 1 (H372 - lung damage on repeated exposure).

Health Effects

Respirable crystalline silica causes silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD. Second-most common cause of occupational lung disease in UK construction after asbestos. HSE has intensified enforcement - inspection focus area. Health surveillance required for all workers with regular exposure.

Routes of Exposure

Inhalation (primary)

Workplace exposure to Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) is regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Employers must reduce occupational exposure to as low as reasonably practicable, following the HSE hierarchy of control.

Recommended Control Measures

Applied in the HSE hierarchy of control order: eliminate, substitute, engineering, administrative, PPE.

Wet-cut all stone, concrete, brick, tile work
Use on-tool dust extraction (M-class vacuum)
Damp down before sweeping - never dry sweep
Health surveillance (chest X-ray, lung function) required for regular users
Rotate tasks to reduce cumulative exposure

Recommended PPE

FFP3 respirator (mandatory for any dry cutting)
Full body coverall for high-exposure tasks
Eye protection

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash to remove dust.

Eye contact: Rinse with water to remove dust particles.

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop. Report to HSE if occupational exposure without controls.

Ingestion: Rinse mouth.

UK emergency: 999. Medical advice: NHS 111. Poisons information for healthcare professionals: TOXBASE.

Data Sources

HSE Construction Dust guidance; EH40/2005 Table 1 (WEL: 0.1 mg/m3 respirable); Construction Industry Advisory Committee; HSE campaign Dust Kills

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) must hold a written COSHH assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Regulation 6. The assessment must be reviewed at least annually and immediately if circumstances change. You can generate one free (watermarked) using our tool.

What is the Workplace Exposure Limit for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) are published by HSE in EH40/2005. Values come as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL). Where a formal WEL has not been set for this substance, we mark the field as "Not established" and rely on hazard-based controls following the hierarchy of control.

What PPE is needed for Silica Dust (Construction/Trades)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: FFP3 respirator (mandatory for any dry cutting); Full body coverall for high-exposure tasks; Eye protection. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) is used in your specific workplace, how often, and existing engineering controls. Your COSHH assessment should specify PPE only after engineering and administrative controls have been considered.

Do I need health surveillance for workers using Silica Dust (Construction/Trades)?

Health surveillance under COSHH 2002 Regulation 10 is required for substances that are respiratory sensitisers, skin sensitisers, or carcinogens where exposure is significant. If Silica Dust (Construction/Trades) appears on the HSE health surveillance list for your industry, workers with regular exposure should have baseline and annual monitoring.

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