Dust

Not the type that’s covers your knick-knacks on that shelf you never clean, but dust that’s generated in the workplace from wood, stone, plaster and other substances.

Recent reporting has highlighted the serious health consequences of exposure to construction dusts, with Health and Safety Executive identifying silica dust as one of the most significant risks to construction workers, second only to asbestos.

Construction dust is a broad term covering materials such as wood dust, silica, and non-silica mineral dusts including cement and stone.

Prolonged or repeated exposure can increase the risk of asthma, lung cancer, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Managing these risks forms part of the legal requirements for controlling hazardous substances in the workplace.

While set construction and art department teams are most directly exposed, the risk is not limited to those carrying out dusty tasks. Anyone working in, or passing through, areas where dust is generated may also be affected, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

Effective control measures depend on the task and environment, but reducing dust at source is critical.

• Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems can significantly reduce airborne dust when properly selected and used, though they may not be sufficient on their own.
• In some cases, additional controls such as suitable respiratory protective equipment will also be required.
• Housekeeping methods are equally important. Dry sweeping can re-suspend fine dust into the air, increasing exposure. Using vacuum systems designed for dust capture, or wet-cleaning methods, can help prevent dust becoming airborne again during clean-up.

Assessing who may be exposed, how exposure occurs, and which controls are effective is key to reducing risk. Where activities involve ongoing or complex dust-generating work, specialist advice can help ensure controls remain appropriate and effective.