Updated Stone Dust Exposure Guidance

The HSE recently published an updated edition of their guidance document ‘HSG201: Controlling exposure to stone dust’ this updates the previous edition published in 2001.

The guide aims to help employees and employers understand the health risks associated with exposure to stone dust and how these risks can be managed through processes and control measures.

The guide employers should be able to use the guidance to protect their employee’s health and comply the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

The guide includes information on the health dangers of stone dust exposure, particularly long-term health issues (e.g. silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) associated with fine respirable dust which can penetrate deep into the lungs.

In order to help identify where there may be a higher risk of health effects the guidance lists different types of natural stone and mineral based materials including sandstone, concrete, shale, granite, shale etc and their percentage crystalline silica content.

The guidance also includes information on different methods for controlling stone dust, including a selection of specific examples, and how and when health surveillance should be carried out.

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.