HSE Declares No Dry Cutting Of Engineered Stone As 1,000 Inspections Begin

The Health and Safety Executive has published its first COSHH guidance for engineered stone, stating that dry cutting is unacceptable and that on tool water suppression and other controls are how businesses should meet their legal duties. The guidance follows research and recent deaths from silicosis and will be backed by a nationwide inspection programme of more than 1,000 visits to fabricators across Great Britain, with enforcement action for failures to comply.

HSE has published a new package of measures to protect workers from silica dust risks associated with engineered stone. The regulator has made clear that dry cutting of engineered stone is unacceptable and that water suppression on tool and other controls are how employers should meet legal requirements. The guidance is being supported by a major inspection programme of more than 1,000 visits across Great Britain, with the first inspections already under way and enforcement action planned for noncompliance.

HSE published its first COSHH guidance sheet specifically for engineered stone after two years of research and industry engagement prompted by recent deaths from silicosis among young workers. The evidence found dry fabrication can produce respirable crystalline silica exposure five to ten times higher than equivalent wet methods, and that lower silica content engineered stone of acceptable quality is available. The guidance sets out employer duties in plain English: use lower silica products where possible, use on tool water suppression and control mist, provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment, and carry out regular health surveillance.

The move is significant because engineered stone can contain very high levels of crystalline silica and cases linked to the material have shown disease can develop much faster than with natural stone. HSE leadership described the guidance as a major sector intervention and stressed that the expectations are clear and inspectors will be checking compliance. Industry bodies and occupational hygiene professionals welcomed the clarification, noting the guidance provides an evidence based description of effective controls and supports responsible fabricators.

HSE says the guidance clarifies legal duties rather than creating new legislation and that dry cutting would only be acceptable where a business can demonstrate an equally effective control. The inspectorate will also continue engagement with employers, trade bodies, manufacturers and suppliers to drive compliance and encourage the supply of lower silica products. Employers and workers with concerns can contact HSE by phone on 0300 003 1647, and anyone worried about their health should seek medical advice.

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