Find out if this job crosses the dust limits, before DEL finds out for you.
For sole traders and small firms cutting, grinding, chasing or drilling in silica, wood or MDF. Covers RPE selection and action levels under the Hazardous Chemical Agents Regulations.
Hose, misting attachment, or water-fed blade
e.g. a dust extractor attached to the tool
A paper dust mask (surgical-style) provides NO protection against silica dust. Only a properly face-fit tested FFP2 or FFP3 mask counts.
What the law actually says
- •Respirable crystalline silica is regulated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, with an occupational exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3 over an 8-hour day. Cutting, grinding or drilling concrete, brick, stone or tile without dust control can take you over that limit. Employers must assess exposure and control dust at source (water suppression or extraction) and provide suitable respiratory protection.