HSE Research Report 926 – On-tool Controls to Reduce Exposure to Respirable Dusts in the Construction Industry

A Review of the Effectiveness of On-tool Extraction and Water Suppression

LEVCentral Expert Commentary

Construction activities such as cutting, chasing, grinding, drilling, polishing, sanding and demolition frequently generate large quantities of respirable dust. Where materials contain crystalline silica, uncontrolled exposure can lead to serious occupational diseases including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and occupational asthma.

HSE commissioned this research to review the published evidence on the effectiveness of on-tool dust control systems, including Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) attached directly to power tools and water suppression techniques. The report brings together findings from numerous international studies to identify which control methods provide the greatest reductions in worker exposure.

The review concludes that properly designed on-tool LEV systems are capable of reducing respirable dust exposure by 90% or more in many common construction activities. Similar levels of control were also demonstrated for well-designed water suppression systems in appropriate applications. However, the report makes it equally clear that neither method completely eliminates exposure, particularly where respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is present. Consequently, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) may still be required following a suitable risk assessment.

The research also highlights an important lesson for LEV practitioners: simply attaching a vacuum cleaner to a power tool does not guarantee effective control. Performance depends upon factors such as hood design, airflow rate, extraction unit performance, filter efficiency, hose diameter, tool design and correct operator technique. These findings remain highly relevant for today’s battery-powered dust extraction systems and integrated tool-mounted LEV equipment.

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Key Learning Points

Construction activities frequently generate hazardous respirable dusts, including respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
Properly designed on-tool LEV can reduce dust exposure by 90% or more for many common construction tasks.
Water suppression can achieve comparable reductions for suitable operations.
Hood design, extraction airflow and vacuum performance are critical to successful dust capture.
Dust control performance varies depending on the task, tool design and material being worked.
Even highly effective engineering controls may not reduce exposure sufficiently on their own, meaning suitable RPE may still be necessary.
Equipment should be inspected, maintained and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain performance.
Engineering controls should always form part of a wider exposure control strategy including planning, supervision and worker training.

Source Document Information

Organisation: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Document: RR926 – On-tool Controls to Reduce Exposure to Respirable Dusts in the Construction Industry: A Review

Document Type: HSE Research Report

Primary Topics: Construction Dust, Respirable Crystalline Silica, On-tool LEV, Water Suppression, Exposure Control

Audience: Construction Contractors, LEV Designers, Occupational Hygienists, Health & Safety Professionals, Tool Manufacturers, Commissioning Engineers and Duty Holders.

Further Resources

Recommended Learning

Thought Leadership

RR926 marked an important shift in the way dust control is viewed within the construction industry. Rather than relying solely on traditional fixed LEV installations, the research demonstrated that effective mobile source-capture systems can achieve substantial reductions in worker exposure when they are properly engineered and correctly used.

Perhaps the report’s most enduring message is that the effectiveness of an engineering control depends on its design and application, not simply its presence. A well-designed extraction hood connected to a correctly specified vacuum can dramatically reduce exposure, whereas a poorly designed attachment may provide little meaningful protection.

For LEV professionals, this reinforces a principle that applies across every sector: successful contaminant control is achieved through good engineering, competent selection, correct installation and ongoing maintenance—not by assuming that any extraction system will automatically deliver effective protection.