Part 3:
Your dust control checklist
COSHH Assessment
| Assess the risks to health from dusts within your workplace.
| Conduct an air sampling (when needed).
| Consider the hazardous nature of the dust, types of exposure and how the exposure occurs.
| Document your findings.
| Use your findings to create firm policies, procedures and controls.
| Document your policies, procedures and control steps.
| Ensure you’re compliant under COSHH.
Dust Prevention
| Eliminate dusty substances wherever possible.
| Substitute dusty materials for less dusty alternatives like pastes instead of dry mixes.
| Limit the amount of dust that’s produced by using specialised methods like wet cutting instead of grinding or sawing.
Control Dust Exposure
| Segregate/enclose dust and dusty processes wherever possible.
| Limit the amount of people exposed to dust.
| Automate tasks or use mechanical handling systems.
| Use ventilation systems and dust collection devices to reduce or isolate dust exposure.
| Implement dust-reducing procedures like dampening down of materials and reducing drop heights.
| Use a vacuum cleaner or wet methods to keep floors and surfaces tidy and to clean up any spills.
| Rotate workers on dusty tasks to decrease prolonged exposure and modify their schedules to include adequate rest times.
Install LEV Systems
| Use Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems to extract contaminated air and remove it from the premises.
| LEVs should be tailored to the specific dust-generating process they’re needed for.
| Install LEVs directly onto the machine.
| Check and test LEVs thoroughly at least every 14 months by a qualified professional.
Provide PPE/RPE
| PPE/RPE needs to consider the properties of the dust, needs of the worker, and workplace conditions.
| Make sure all relevant employees are using appropriate PPE, such as masks and respirators, to protect them from dust.
| Workers using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) must receive proper face fitting and training.
| Workers should be trained on how to use all PPE/RPE effectively,
| Ensure changing facilities are nearby dust sites, are easily accessible, and are regularly cleaned.
Provide Protective Clothing
| Provide employees with protective clothing and keep it separate from personal clothing.
| Leave protective clothing at work to avoid contamination.
| Ensure changing facilities are nearby dust sites, are easily accessible, and are regularly cleaned.
| Arrange for protective clothing to be laundered regularly.
Provide Washing Facilities
| Provide easily accessible washing facilities near dust sources.
| Make sure employees remove dust from their clothing, hair, and skin before leaving work.
| Facilities should depend on the level of contamination and dust type.
Clean facilities and equipment frequently
| Implement a regular cleaning schedule using methods that don’t lead to more dust in the air (i.e. vacuuming with HEPA-filtered equipment).
| Dust control systems should be consistently serviced and maintained.
Educate/train staff and encourage participation
| Involve workers in identifying and managing dust hazards.
| Inform staff of the potential risks from dusts.
| Provide clear communication and training on control measures and their roles.
| Encourage employees to come to you with feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Have an emergency plan
| Have procedures in place for responding to dust-related incidents including spills, fires, explosions or equipment failures.
| Ensure employees have the right equipment to handle an emergency.
| Ensure these procedures are clearly communicated to staff.
Monitor the workplace
| Measure dust levels and assess health impacts using dust meters and biological monitoring.
| Update the dust control plan based on findings.
| Ask employees to report any symptoms they have that could be linked to dust exposure and action accordingly.
| Ask employees to report any concerns they have over dust control equipment and dust measures within the workplace.
Document your actions
| Maintain records of dust control measures, training, and incidents to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
| Use a reporting tool like EcoOnline to help ensure timely reporting and safe chemical management.
As an employer, it’s your duty to keep your employees safe and informed. EcoOnline’s COSHH Risk Assessment module within our Chemical Management Software can help you simplify your dust management initiatives and remain compliant.