HSE Update Health Surveillance Guidance for Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)

Earlier this week, HSE released a statement that is has refreshed its guidance publication, ‘Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica.’

Silica dust has been hitting headlines across the world due to growing concerns about the rise in silicosis cases. In July 2024, Australia banned the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs across the country.

What is RCS?

When materials such as stone, rock, concrete, slate or tile is cut, drilled, sanded, grinded or polished, it creates large quantities of respirable crystalline silica dust particles. Intense or long-term exposure and inhalation of RCS dust can lead to silicosis, an irreversible lung disease.

Symptoms of silicosis include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and tiredness. HSE states, ‘Workers with silicosis are also at an increased risk of developing tuberculosis, kidney disease and arthritis.’

In this latest update, HSE are urging employers in industries such as construction, worktop manufacturing and installation, stone masonry and similar to review the updated guidance to ensure they comply with > Control of substances hazardous to health (Sixth edition) - L5

Under COSHH, if there is a risk of harm for those exposed to hazardous substances, such as RCS, health surveillance is a legal requirement.

HSE’s definition on what health surveillance is:

Health surveillance is a risk-based scheme of repeated health checks for the early identification of ill-health caused by work e.g. Silicosis.

You should not use health surveillance instead of doing a risk assessment and using effective exposure controls.

Following a health surveillance being carried out, the results should be fed back into your risk management system.

Where work-related lung disease due to RCS exposure is identified in a worker, you must review your risk assessment and controls, taking into account any advice given, for example, by an occupational health professional.

When is health surveillance required?

• Health surveillance for silicosis must be considered for workers who are involved in high-risk occupations.
• Where workers are regularly exposed to RCS dust and there is a reasonable likelihood that silicosis may develop, health surveillance must be provided.

Whilst increased focus on health surveillance is always a positive step forward, we know that Silicosis is a long latency disease, so by the time the early signs are apparent, it is already too late to reverse the damage. Silicosis has no cure, but it can be prevented.

RVT Group offer specialist hire equipment suitable for extracting silica dust, and a range of free resources with best practice guidance on how to reduce dust exposure. To find out more visit > Silica Dust