HSE Guidance – Working Engineered Stone: Control Silica Risk

HSE’s Landmark Guidance on Engineered Stone and Silica Dust Control

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published dedicated guidance covering the health risks associated with working engineered stone and the measures required to control exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

The guidance was developed following increasing international concern regarding severe cases of silicosis and other respiratory diseases affecting workers involved in the fabrication and installation of engineered stone worktops and similar products. HSE subsequently launched a nationwide inspection programme alongside the publication of the guidance.

Engineered stone is commonly used in:

Kitchen worktops
Bathroom surfaces
Commercial interiors
Reception desks
Retail fit-outs
Architectural features

Many engineered stone products contain extremely high levels of crystalline silica, often significantly higher than many natural stone products.

When cut, drilled, ground or polished, engineered stone can generate large quantities of respirable crystalline silica dust capable of penetrating deep into the lungs. Exposure can result in:

Silicosis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Lung cancer
Permanent lung damage

The guidance explains how employers can comply with COSHH requirements and protect workers from exposure.

This resource is relevant to:

Occupational Hygienists
LEV Designers/Commissioners/Testers
Stone Fabricators
Kitchen Worktop Manufacturers
Construction Contractors
Health & Safety Professionals
Duty Holders

Source Document

View the HSE guidance here:

View Original HSE Guidance

Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Document Type: COSHH Guidance
Status: Current 2026
Last reviewed by LEVCentral: June 2026

LEVCentral Expert Commentary

This guidance represents one of the most significant occupational hygiene developments relating to silica exposure in recent years.

Historically, silicosis has been associated with industries such as mining, quarrying, foundries and construction. However, increasing evidence from around the world has identified engineered stone fabrication as a particularly high-risk activity due to the very high silica content of many products.

Unlike traditional occupational silicosis, which often develops after many years of exposure, some engineered stone workers have developed severe disease after relatively short periods of employment. This has attracted significant attention from regulators, occupational physicians and health professionals internationally.

The HSE guidance makes clear that exposure control must be treated as a priority and that dry cutting of engineered stone should not occur. Research reviewed by HSE found that dry cutting can generate between five and ten times more respirable crystalline silica than equivalent wet methods.

From a LEVCentral perspective, the guidance reinforces a principle familiar to LEV professionals:

Prevention of exposure at source remains the most effective means of protecting workers from silica-related disease.

Key Learning Points

Engineered Stone Can Contain Extremely High Silica Levels

Many engineered stone products contain very high concentrations of crystalline silica, often substantially higher than many natural stones.

Silicosis Can Develop Rapidly

Cases reported internationally have shown that severe silicosis can develop within years rather than decades where exposures are poorly controlled.

Dry Cutting Should Not Be Used

HSE guidance makes clear that dry cutting of engineered stone should not be undertaken because of the substantial increase in respirable silica exposure.

Water Suppression Is Essential

On-tool water suppression significantly reduces airborne silica generation and forms a key element of exposure control.

LEV Still Has an Important Role

Where dust-generating processes occur, effective extraction and ventilation systems remain essential components of a comprehensive control strategy.

HSE’s Control Expectations

Use Lower Silica Products Where Possible

Employers should consider the silica content of materials and select lower-silica alternatives where reasonably practicable.

Eliminate Dry Processing

Dry cutting, grinding and polishing create significantly higher dust exposures and should not be used.

Use Water Suppression

Water-fed tools should be used to reduce airborne silica dust generation at source.

Provide Suitable RPE

Workers should be provided with suitable respiratory protective equipment and appropriate face-fit arrangements where required.

Health Surveillance Is Required

Where workers are regularly exposed to respirable crystalline silica, health surveillance should be implemented in accordance with COSHH requirements.

Why This Matters to LEV Professionals

The engineered stone sector provides a powerful example of why exposure control cannot rely solely on personal protective equipment.

Effective control requires a hierarchy of measures including:

Material selection
Process design
Water suppression
LEV systems
Housekeeping
Health surveillance
Occupational hygiene monitoring

For LEV designers and TExT engineers, the guidance reinforces the importance of ensuring that extraction systems are designed, maintained and tested to control silica-containing dust effectively.

It also highlights the growing importance of occupational hygiene considerations during commissioning and verification activities.

Relationship to Other Key Silica Resources

This guidance should be read alongside:

Together these resources provide a comprehensive framework for managing respirable crystalline silica exposure across multiple industries.

Recommended Learning

Thought Leadership

The New Face of Silicosis
Engineering Controls and Occupational Disease Prevention
Defensible Exposure Control Strategies
Why Silica Remains One of Industry’s Biggest Health Risks

LEVCentral Observation

The publication of dedicated HSE guidance for engineered stone marks a significant moment in occupational health regulation.

It reflects growing evidence that engineered stone fabrication can present some of the highest silica exposure risks encountered in modern industry.

For occupational hygienists, LEV professionals and duty holders, the message is clear: silica-related disease remains entirely preventable, but only where robust exposure controls are implemented and maintained.

The guidance serves as a timely reminder that effective engineering controls remain one of the most powerful tools available for protecting worker health.