Control harmful dust when cutting, drilling or grinding brick, block, mortar and paving.
Applies to: Great Britain construction workplaces; follow HSE and task-specific COSHH guidance.
Last checked: 16 October 2026
Key points
• Cutting, drilling and grinding masonry can create respirable crystalline silica dust.
• Use suitable engineering controls such as water suppression or on-tool extraction.
• For high-dust tasks, HSE guidance may require appropriately selected and face-fit-tested respiratory protection as well.
Put the advice to work in your business
Discover BuildPair tools for quotes, customers and organising jobs.
Plan to make less dust
Order suitable sizes and use lower-dust methods where practical. Keep cutting away from occupants and other workers, with controlled access and a planned cleaning method.
Controls to check
• Suitable water suppression or correctly specified on-tool extraction.
• Task-appropriate respiratory protection and face-fit testing for tight-fitting masks.
• COSHH risk assessment, instruction and supervision.
• Safe collection of slurry and debris; avoid dry sweeping or blowers.
• Protection of neighbours, customers and indoor areas.
A mask is not the whole plan
HSE places priority on reducing dust at source and controlling exposure. RPE is important for some tasks but cannot replace effective extraction or water suppression.
Official sources
Use these official sources for the current detail that applies to your job, contract or location.
BuildPair provides general information and signposting, not legal, structural, electrical, gas or building-control approval. Requirements can change and the right answer depends on the work, contract, location and facts.
Related BuildPair guides
One project. Both sides connected.
A fairer UK marketplace and project platform for homeowners and tradespeople, from first search to finished job.
BuildPair is a marketplace and project platform, not a building contractor or building-control body. See Payments, Terms and Disclaimer for full details.