HSE CIS69 Controlling Construction Dust with On-Tool Extraction

Practical Guidance on Using On-Tool Extraction to Control Construction Dust

LEVCentral Expert Commentary

Construction activities such as drilling, cutting, chasing, grinding and sanding can generate significant quantities of airborne dust. Many of these dusts contain respirable crystalline silica (RCS) or other hazardous substances capable of causing serious occupational diseases including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and lung cancer.

HSE Construction Information Sheet CIS69 – Controlling Construction Dust with On-Tool Extraction provides practical guidance on selecting, using and maintaining on-tool extraction systems to control dust at source. The guidance is aimed primarily at construction managers, supervisors and tradespeople, but it is equally relevant to LEV designers and occupational hygienists involved in specifying or assessing portable extraction equipment.

Unlike fixed industrial LEV systems, on-tool extraction combines the dust capture hood, flexible hose, extraction unit and filtration system into a portable package that moves with the tool. When correctly selected and maintained, these systems can dramatically reduce worker exposure by capturing dust immediately as it is generated.

For LEV professionals, CIS69 demonstrates that the principles of Local Exhaust Ventilation apply just as much to portable equipment as they do to large fixed installations. Good hood design, adequate airflow, effective filtration and proper maintenance remain essential to achieving reliable dust control.

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Key Learning Points

The guidance explains:

The health hazards associated with construction dust.
Why dust should be captured at source.
The principles of on-tool extraction.
Choosing suitable extraction units.
Matching extraction equipment to the power tool.
Flexible hoses and dust capture attachments.
High-efficiency filtration and dust collection.
Routine inspection and maintenance.
Emptying dust containers safely.
Training operators in correct use.
The importance of checking extraction performance before work begins.
Situations where suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) may still be required.

Source Document Information

Organisation: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Document: CIS69 – Controlling Construction Dust with On-Tool Extraction

Document Type: Construction Information Sheet

Primary Topics: Construction Dust, On-Tool Extraction, Respirable Crystalline Silica, Portable LEV, COSHH

Audience: Construction Contractors, Tradespeople, Site Managers, LEV Designers, Occupational Hygienists, Health & Safety Professionals and Duty Holders.

LEVCentral Perspective

CIS69 is an excellent example of applying LEV principles in a practical construction environment.

Unlike factory-based LEV systems, portable extraction equipment must be lightweight, robust and capable of operating under constantly changing site conditions. Despite these differences, the engineering principles remain identical: contaminants should be captured as close to the point of generation as possible before they can disperse into the worker’s breathing zone.

One particularly valuable aspect of the guidance is its emphasis on maintenance. Portable extraction units are often subjected to harsh treatment on construction sites. Blocked filters, damaged hoses, worn brushes and poorly fitting shrouds can significantly reduce performance, even though the extraction unit may still appear to be operating normally.

For LEV practitioners, this reinforces a familiar message: the effectiveness of an extraction system depends as much on its condition and use as on its original design.

Further Resources

Recommended Learning

Thought Leadership

Portable on-tool extraction systems illustrate that effective LEV does not have to be large or permanently installed. In many industries, particularly construction, the most successful engineering controls are those integrated directly into the work equipment itself.

As awareness of respirable crystalline silica continues to grow, on-tool extraction is becoming an essential part of everyday construction practice rather than an optional accessory. CIS69 demonstrates that relatively simple engineering solutions, when correctly selected, maintained and used, can make a substantial difference to worker health by preventing hazardous dust from becoming airborne in the first place.

It is an excellent practical guide for anyone responsible for controlling dust exposure during construction activities.