HSE Focus on Dust Inspections Throughout June

The HSE have announced that they will be having a drive on dust inspections throughout June 2022. Inspectors will be looking for evidence that employers have assessed the control measures required to reduce workers exposure to dust, that workers understand the risks of exposure, and effective control measures have been put in place to protect workers from harm.

The HSE have stated that Inspectors will take enforcement action when necessary to make sure workers are protected. They have also been very clear that whilst the specific focus is on dust, they will not ignore any other breaches they find on site.

To help ensure that you have done everything you can to protect workers from dust on site, we have created you a 10-point Dust Control Checklist:

Dust Control Checklist

1. Have you identified the airborne hazard(s) and properly evaluated the risks to health? Eg. Checking Safety Data Sheets & Work Exposure Limits (WELs) listed in EH40/2005?
2. Have you conducted a suitable COSHH risk assessment?
3. Have you considered the hierarchy of control? Eliminate, Substitute, Engineering Controls, Administration Controls, PPE.
4. If you are using engineering controls, have you selected a suitable LEV solution as per HSG 258? Eg. Does the unit have a suitable capture hood and airflow? Are you using the appropriate M-class or H-class unit?
5. Have you checked your dust control solution against the 3C's®? Eg. Have you Captured, Contained and Controlled the hazard?
6. How are you measuring the effectiveness of your control measures? Eg. Dust monitors
7. Has the equipment had a recent Thorough Examination and Test? Do you have a TExT certificate?
8. Have you recorded your assessment and shared it with your staff?
9. Have you presented ToolBox Talks around the hazards and given them specific training on control equipment?
10. Have you given staff suitable PPE/ RPE?

If you have answered ‘no’ to any of the above questions or are concerned about the dust control solutions you have on site and would like some guidance from RVT Group, please call us on 0808 178 3286 to speak to one of our qualified consultants. Alternatively, you can submit your enquiry online.

More Resources

For Toolbox Talks clicks here.

For Whitepapers click here.

To view all Dustex® Dust Control Equipment click here.

View the HSE's new "Dust Kills" campaign website.