The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is stepping up efforts to increase awareness that dust can kill, with a month-long site inspection initiative.

During October, HSE site inspections are taking place across the UK to ensure that construction firms are protecting workers from respiratory risks and occupational lung disease caused by construction dust. Sites of all types and sizes are being visited to check that appropriate measures are in place to protect workers’ lung health from exposure to dust.

Dust exposure can have significant long-term implications on our health and wellbeing, in some instances even resulting in death. The HSE are currently running a nationwide campaign, targeting construction sites throughout the UK to raise awareness of the respiratory risks from dust exposure. Have you or your company recently been visited by the HSE, or are you due to receive a visit soon? Then we’re here to help.

This blog will focus on the respiratory risks associated with varying degrees and types of dust exposure. It will highlight why dust monitoring is so essential for your business and educate on ways of keeping safe whilst working in a dust filled environment.

At Sunbelt Rentals we stock a range of tools and equipment which enable construction companies to detect, monitor and protect against dust levels. With our expert help, and world-first products, we have the power to begin protecting construction companies from dust exposure, today.

In the era of COVID-19, it’s never been more important to have good indoor air quality in schools, colleges and other educational settings.

Dust is generated from many common construction tasks such as cutting, drilling, grinding and polishing. Some of this dust is fine enough to get deep into the lungs of construction workers. Known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS) or silica dust, it’s too fine to see with normal lighting.