Controlling construction dust when cutting roof tiles

A recent meeting of the NFRC Committee advised that the HSE are concentrating their efforts in October on site visits, with a focus on cutting wheels, saws and abrasives on roofing works.

Using cut-off saws on roofing tiles can produce very high levels of silica containing dust. Anyone breathing in this dust cloud will be affected. Breathing this dust causes serious lung diseases like cancer and silicosis. These diseases cause permanent disability and early death. Those using or very close to the cut-off saw will be particularly at risk. Effective control is necessary because this work is high risk.

The main focus will be the use of cutting wheels including cut-off saws and abrasives on roofing works and HSE will be issuing notices on any contractor found not to be compliant with the legislation.

For more information about dust control and site compliance, please read the latest HSE guidelines for cutting roof tiles.