HSE plans to raise awareness of the health risks from respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in stone dust and how to control it amongst domestic builders in 2008/09 (subject to resource availability). We will be exploring the possibility of working in partnership with building suppliers to deliver key messages to this hard-to-reach group. The plans will be discussed with LAs and LACORS as they are developed.
This work will complement an existing intervention aimed at reducing exposure to dust during the cutting of kerbs, blocks and paving. This supply chain project is being taken forward by a stakeholder working group that aim to identify a range of practical interventions and lead on their implementation. Stakeholders include the Highways Agency, local authorities and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association. The stakeholder group are planning to announce the outcome of its work in May 2008. Examples of the outputs produced so far include, a case study of how to control dust when kerb cutting by Tameside, guidance produced by Interpave and a leaflet for workers produced with the Highways agency for distribution on their safety training vehicles.
This work is part of a wider HSE initiative to raise awareness of the new, lower Workplace Exposure Limit for RCS that was introduced in October 2006 amongst all high risk industry groups. A free leaflet aimed at stonemasons and free good practice advice has been produced and LA colleagues may like to use these if inspecting premises where stone or other products containing RCS, such as concrete, is being cut.
