HSE has refreshed its guidance publication on “Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica (G404)”. This:
- Provides advice for employers on the health surveillance appropriate for those whose work may result in exposure to RCS;
- Sets out what you should expect from a health surveillance provider.
What action is required?
Employers who work in the following industries: (construction, worktop manufacturing and installation, stone masonry, ceramics, and quarrying) should all review the updated guidance to ensure they comply with the COSHH Regulations, which require that where there is a risk of harm (exposure to hazardous substances such as RCS), health surveillance is conducted..
Why is RCS harmful?
Silica is a natural substance found in stone, concrete, brick, ceramics, and in other materials such as engineered stone. RCS, along with other harmful dusts are created when working with these materials. Exposure to RCS can cause serious health issues, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
What has been updated?
The guidance document has been refreshed to clarify the following points:
- The RCS content in both natural and engineered stone dust is dependent on the level of crystalline silica in the stone or material being worked;
- The COSHH essentials sheet for managers of stone workers provides information on the approximate content of crystalline silica in common types of stone and other materials;
- Worktop manufacturing and installation are stated as high-risk occupations and provision of health surveillance must be considered.
- Where workers are regularly exposed to RCS dust and there is a reasonable likelihood that silicosis may develop, health surveillance must be provided;
- Occupational health professionals should be consulted to identify when additional health surveillance is necessary to detect ill health, i.e., where over-exposure to RCS dust has already occurred.
Why is Health Surveillance so Important?
Health surveillance is a risk-based scheme which should be repeated for those exposed to hazardous substances, to detect ill-health effects as early as possible and to check that the control measures put in place continue to do their job or whether they, in fact, need to be reviewed, because control measures may not always be reliable, despite checking and maintenance.
For RCS-related diseases, health surveillance involves the performance of appropriate tests and identifying if workers have symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath;
- Persistent coughing, with or without phlegm;
- Frequent or prolonged chest infections;
- Wheezing.
Workers must do their bit and:
- Understand the importance of reporting symptoms promptly if they occur;
- Know who they need to report these symptoms to;
- Attend any health surveillance appointments required of them.
In the same vein: extended ports required for Face Fit Testing
Recent HSE research confirms that face fit testing of tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should be conducted using an extended port.
HSE has carried out research using FFP3 respirators to determine whether acceptable face fit testing can be carried out using a flush port, as opposed to an extended port.
This research identified that conducting face fit testing with a flush port may result in a false pass, which could:
- Cause the wearer to be exposed to substances hazardous to their health
- Harm their respiratory health
The research can be viewed here.
HSE’s published guidance on respiratory protective equipment INDG479 provides information on how the various face fit testing methods should be performed, with the research confirming that the information already in the guidance remains accurate.
HSE intends to refresh the guidance provided so that it can be made absolutely clear on how face fit tests are to be conducted (using an extended port) and when this is done a separate bulletin will be issued.
To avoid causing harm, having accidents and facing prosecution,
ensure your business complies with health and safety law in 2025, by
- Conducting risk assessments as and when required (prior to undertaking activities).
- Providing training regarding the risks involved and how to manage them.
- Supervising risk management, as necessary, until competence is demonstrated.
- Formally reviewing risk assessments and associated safe systems of work, regularly.
- Updating training provided (toolbox talks, in-house or external formal training).
- Keeping/updating records of all the above processes.
Need help with any health & safety related issues?
Please do not hesitate to contact us.