Dust Dangers on Construction Sites

At Glendining Signs, we know that construction site safety goes far beyond hard hats and hi-vis. One of the most dangerous and overlooked hazards on any building site is dust - a threat that can have devastating health consequences if left unmanaged.

When you think about construction site hazards, dust might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But it should be. Each year, thousands of construction workers across the UK are diagnosed with serious illnesses caused by breathing in harmful dust. It’s an invisible danger and often one that’s underestimated or misunderstood.

If you’re managing a construction site, you have a legal and moral responsibility to make sure your workers are protected. So, the big question is: Are you compliant with HSE (Health and Safety Executive) dust control regulations?

As a trusted supplier of health and safety signage to the construction industry, Glendining Signs is here to help you meet your legal obligations under HSE regulations and protect your team from long-term harm.

What are the legal duties as an employer or site manager?

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers must:

• Assess dust risks and exposure for all workers
• Reduce dust at the source, using extraction, damping down or enclosed cutting tools
• Provide respiratory protective equipment (RPE) where needed
• Display clear safety signage to inform and remind workers
• Train staff on safe work practices and health risks
• Monitor and review controls regularly

 Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action by the HSE, including fines or site shutdowns not to mention risking workers' lives.

Improve Dust Compliance with Glendining Signs Site Safety Solutions

 Effective control starts with clear communication. At Glendining Signs, we specialise in safety signage to help you meet compliance standards and protect your team.

Dust and Air Quality Display Board

• Perfect for daily briefings, toolbox talks and ongoing dust monitoring Reinforces your duty of care and HSE compliance
• Highly visible and weatherproof for use in all site conditions

Use case: Place this board near site entrances or welfare areas to keep everyone updated on current conditions and controls.

“Masks Must Be Worn in This Area” QuickFit Sign

In areas with moderate airborne particles, masks are often a first line of defence. This QuickFit sign is:

•  Suitable for temporary or rotating risk zones
• Promotes correct PPE use before workers even step into hazardous areas

Use case: Post this sign at all dust-prone entry points - especially cutting areas or plasterboard zones.

“Respirators Must Be Worn in This Area” QuickFit Sign

Certain tasks, like dry cutting concrete or sanding MDF, release extremely fine dust that masks can’t filter out. That’s when respirators are essential. This QuickFit sign:

•  Signals that respirators (not just masks) are required
• Helps you meet COSHH RPE guidance
• Matches your risk assessment zones for specific tasks

 Use case: Ideal near tool stations, demolition zones and enclosed workspaces where dust lingers. 

Facial Hairstyles & Filtering Facepiece Respirators Poster

Most workers don’t realise that stubble and beards can compromise the seal on respirators, rendering them ineffective. This HSE-style poster:

• Shows which facial hairstyles are compatible with tight-fitting RPE
• It is a simple but powerful training and awareness aid
• Can help you pass site audits and toolbox talks

Use case: Display in welfare areas, PPE distribution points and canteens for maximum visibility.