Working Safely Around Harmful Dusts

Jamie Burns
Sep 11
2 min read

Introduction to Harmful Dusts

Many everyday workplace tasks create dust, and exposure can lead to serious long-term health problems without proper controls. Employers must understand the risks and take effective action, whether it’s flour dust in bakeries, wood dust in carpentry workshops, or silica dust in construction.

A man on a construction site cutting a wooden beam, no safety mask, and harmful dust floating into the air.

Types of Hazardous Dusts

- Flour dust: Common in food production and bakeries. A leading cause of occupational asthma.- Wood dust: Particularly from hardwoods, which can cause asthma and nasal cancer.- Silica dust: Created when cutting stone, concrete, or bricks—linked to silicosis and lung cancer.- Other dusts: Metal dust, textile fibres, and general nuisance dusts can also cause harm.

Health Consequences

Breathing in hazardous dust can cause:- Occupational asthma- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)- Lung cancer- Skin irritation and dermatitis

Symptoms often develop gradually, and workers may not realise they’re being harmed until significant damage is done.

Legal Duties

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers must:- Identify substances that are hazardous to health- Assess the risks to workers- Prevent or adequately control exposure- Provide information, instruction, and training- Ensure health surveillance if appropriate

Risk Identification and Assessment

A dust risk assessment should:- Identify tasks that generate dust- Determine the type and amount of dust produced- Consider the frequency and duration of exposure- Assess existing control measures- Review health surveillance records and worker feedback

Control Measures

- Elimination/substitution: Use dust-free materials or processes where possible- Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems to capture dust at source- Enclosure/isolation: Enclose dusty processes or isolate them from other workers- Good housekeeping: Regular cleaning to prevent build-up- Respiratory protective equipment (RPE): Properly fitted and suitable for the type of dust- Training and awareness: Ensure workers understand the risks and how to protect themselves against harmful dusts.

Woodmill factory with harmful dust shavings on the floor next to logs.

Conclusion

Dust may seem harmless, but exposure over time can lead to life-threatening illness. By following COSHH guidance, assessing risks, and implementing proper controls, employers can protect their workers and comply with legal duties.

Need help with dust risk assessments or selecting the right controls for your workplace? Get in touch with Safety Risk Solutions today.