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The HSE are Set to Inspect 1000 Workplaces Just as The New COSHH Guidance for Engineered Stone is Introduced

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On Monday 11^th May, the HSE released updated guidance for managing dust from engineered stone. They have also announced that enforcement has been ramped up with the first 1000 inspections already underway.

Why is there new COSHH guidance for engineered stone?

Engineered stone contains respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust – tiny respirable particles that can enter your lungs and cause irreversible damage. With repeated exposure, the scarring on your lungs will build up, reducing their ability to function. This condition is called Silicosis, and it is fatal.

Engineered stone was first linked to silicosis in 2010, but the case numbers have continued to grow at an alarming rate since then. This is because engineered stone has been increasing in popularity (especially for kitchen worktops), and unfortunately, exposure to this type of dust causes the most aggressive form of Silicosis.  

As such, in 2024, Australia took the world-leading decision to completely ban engineered stone. After a 2-year process of research and industry engagement, the UK has now taken its first step in the fight against engineered stone-related silicosis.

What does the new COSHH guidance say?

Here are the key points:

• If you are going to use engineered stone, use stone with the lowest silica content.
• Engineered stone should never be dry cut - water must be used to suppress the dust.
• Use powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) with an assigned protection factor (APF) of at least 20.
• RPE must also be worn when cleaning work areas or maintaining machinery.
• Regularly review your control measures to check that they are still effective.
• Provide health surveillance for workers who are regularly exposed to silica dust.

Remember, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation 2002) is a strict legal requirement in the UK. The guidance isn’t optional, it is enforced.

How will the new COSHH guidance be enforced?

Over the next 12 months, HSE inspectors will conduct more than 1000 visits to fabricators across Great Britain, with enforcement action taken against those failing to meet the required standards. The first inspections are already underway. 

What is RVT Group's take on the new guidance for engineered stone?

The HSE’s research found that water suppression can reduce silica exposure by up to ten times when compared to dry cutting engineered stone – so mandating water suppression can only be a positive step forward.

Water is effective because it will intercept the vast majority of hazardous particles at source, making them too heavy to become airborne, and therefore they cannot be inhaled.

Water suppression is a very popular engineering control for cutting materials in Australia, however our Aussie team have found that it’s not a perfect system! They explain that in addition to dust suppression, their customers quite often require an LEV system with a wet prefilter followed by a series of dry filters, including HEPA, to ensure there is no residual airborne dust. This ensures the hazard is reduced as low as reasonably possible. So, when you are considering engineering controls, don't rule out the need for LEV in addition to water suppression.

Engineered Stone: Further Resources

Read the full HSE article

Read the new COSHH guidance

View RVT UK’s dust control equipment

Visit RVT Australia’s website