Cutting paving blocks kerbs and flags

Using cut-off saws on paving, blocks and kerbs can produce very high levels of silica containing dust. Effective control is necessary because this work is high risk. This page tells you how to control the risk and why. You also need to be aware of the general information on construction dust.

Follow the Assess, Control and Review model. Pay particular attention to the following things:

Identify and assess: Using cut-off saws on paving, blocks or kerbs can produce very high levels of silica containing dust. Anyone breathing in this dust cloud will be affected. Those using or very close to the cut-off saw will be particularly at risk. Follow the control steps below.

Prevent: Think about limiting the risks before work starts by:

Control: Even if you minimise some of the dust this way, you may still need to use a cut-off saw. Control the risk by:

You will find more information on controlling the dust risks from this work below:

This work often involves a number of quick cuts done throughout the day. That does not mean it is low risk. Uncontrolled cutting quickly produces very high levels of silica containing dust. Watch the graph in the video clip below. This shows how much silica is created when dry cutting. The Workplace Exposure Limit for silica is 0.1 mg/m3 when averaged over 8 hours. The work quickly produces very high peak exposures of up to 70 mg/m3.

Download the uncontrolled cut-off saw video video (mp4)

Now watch the video below. The graph shows a dramatic drop in the amount of silica when using water suppression. It is important to note that the water does not capture all of the silica. RPE is also needed as a back up measure. It protects against this remaining level of unknown and variable silica risk. It also protects against high exposures caused accidentally by the worker or a fault with the water suppression.

Download the controlled cut-off saw video video (mp4)

More resources