Crystalline silica regulations on construction sites: what you need to know

Crystalline silica is the leading cause of occupational disease on construction sites. Found in concrete, granite, sandstone and most mortars, it is released as respirable dust during grinding, chiselling and sawing.

Regulations have tightened considerably in recent years. This guide summarises current obligations and prevention solutions.

Crystalline silica: an invisible hazard

Crystalline silica dust (quartz) measures less than 5 micrometres. It penetrates deep into the lungs and causes silicosis over time: an irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. It is also classified as a proven carcinogen (IARC Group 1).

Without extraction, concrete grinding releases respirable crystalline silica well above the OEL.

The current regulatory framework

What is the occupational exposure limit for crystalline silica?

The binding EU limit for respirable crystalline silica (quartz) is 0.1 mg/m³ over 8 hours, set by Directive (EU) 2017/2398, and the UK WEL is also 0.1 mg/m³. Spain enforces a stricter 0.05 mg/m³ for respirable crystalline silica, and Germany uses 0.05 mg/m³ as an assessment benchmark for quartz.

What are employers’ obligations regarding silica dust?

1. Risk assessment: identify exposed roles and measure dust levels
2. Substitution: replace dust-generating processes where possible
3. Collective protection: source extraction, ventilated enclosure, wet methods
4. Individual protection: FFP3 masks as a complement (never a replacement)
5. Medical surveillance: enhanced monitoring for all exposed workers
6. Training: inform workers about risks and prevention measures

Why prefer class H extraction for crystalline silica?

Extraction at source is the most effective collective protection measure against crystalline silica. We recommend a class H vacuum (EN 60335-2-69), which filters 99.995% of particles above 0.3 micrometres; the Fouine XB165 manual asks for a Longopac bagged vacuum, “class H preferably” (v2.6, p. 2).

What solutions prevent crystalline silica exposure on site?

1. Dry grinding with class H extraction

The most common and effective method. The grinder connects to a class H vacuum via a hose. Dust is captured at source before dispersing into the ambient air.

The Sept Tools IU33 Longopac is a class H vacuum with continuous Longopac bagging. The operator limits contact with the dust: tie the bag, cut it, unroll a new one.

2. Wet grinding

Water grinding pins dust to the ground as slurry. This method greatly reduces airborne dust but generates liquid waste to collect and treat. It is incompatible with some surfaces (plaster, coating, parquet).

3. Source capture (hood, extraction ring)

Some grinders integrate an extraction ring around the plate that channels dust-laden air towards the hose. Effectiveness depends on the seal between the ring and the surface.

What does non-compliance with silica regulations cost?

Non-compliance with silica regulations exposes employers to criminal fines per exposed worker, immediate site shutdown, increased workers’ compensation premiums, and compensation claims from workers diagnosed with silicosis.

• Site shutdown: immediate inspector decision
• Criminal penalties: fines per exposed worker
• Premium increase: higher workers’ compensation rates
• Compensation claims: damages to workers diagnosed with silicosis

The Sept Tools solution

Sept Tools offers an integrated system:

• Brushless grinders: compatible with source extraction, 59 to 64 dB(A) noise level depending on the grinder (value from its manual)
• IU33 Longopac: class H vacuum with continuous bagging, limited dust contact
• IU40: compact vacuum with an H14 secondary absolute filter, for mobile sites

Configure your system in a few clicks in our configurator. Select your application, surface, and the configurator suggests the complete set with the right extraction.

Request a quote for your extraction system.