HS&E Operatives practice question: Respiratory risks and silica dust (1 of 7)
B. Occupational health A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
You are cutting concrete kerbs with a petrol cut-off saw. A lot of fine dust is coming off the blade.
What is the right way to control the dust?
Choose one answer.
AA. Hold your breath while the blade is cutting
BB. Use water on the blade and wear the right mask
CC. Work with your back to the wind so the dust blows away
DD. Cut dry, then sweep up the dust at the end of the day
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B
A. Wrong: Wrong. The fine dust hangs in the air long after the cut. Breathing it in over time can cause serious lung disease, such as silicosis.
B. Right: Right. Water suppression keeps the dust down at the source. HSE's guidance for this job also calls for suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) as well.
C. Wrong: Wrong. Standing upwind does not control the dust. Fine silica dust can still reach you and anyone nearby.
D. Wrong: Wrong. Dry cutting makes the most dust, and dry sweeping puts it back into the air. Control it at the source instead.
Explanation
Concrete, stone and brick give off silica dust when cut. Control it at the source with water or on-tool extraction, and wear the right RPE as well.