‘Disturbing’ research highlights construction’s silica-awareness gaps
Summary
Research cited by the Chartered Institute of Building indicates widespread gaps in awareness and management of respirable crystalline silica among housing sector construction managers. The article highlights that many respondents were not consistently using exposure plans, were unaware of the workplace exposure limit, and did not fully understand the health risks, prompting calls for stronger controls and better training.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors who commission, inspect or oversee construction and refurbishment work need to understand silica risks because cutting or sanding common building materials can expose workers and occupants to harmful dust. The findings reinforce the importance of specifying and checking effective dust-control measures on domestic projects.
Key points
- CIOB research found 75% of surveyed housing sector managers did not consistently use silica exposure plans or inspect safe working practices.
- The same proportion were unaware of the UK workplace exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica.
- The article links silica exposure to serious long-term health conditions, including silicosis, COPD and lung cancer.
- Recommended controls include water suppression, wet-cutting and local exhaust ventilation rather than relying only on PPE.
- CIOB has published a ReACT toolkit to improve understanding and management of silica dust risks.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
