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Control of Dust on National Highways Toolbox Talk: Protecting Health and Safety in Highways Work
The Control of Dust on National Highways Toolbox Talk provides essential guidance on managing and minimising dust exposure during highways and construction work. Developed in line with Raising the Bar 18 (RTB18), this document aligns with UK health and safety regulations, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and HSE guidance on dust control measures. It supports businesses in implementing effective dust management practices to protect worker health, maintain environmental standards, and ensure compliance with UK legislation.
Dust generated during highways operations, such as cutting, grinding, excavating, or sweeping surfaces, can cause serious respiratory illnesses like silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and occupational asthma. This toolbox talk covers the key sources of dust in highways work and practical control methods to reduce exposure, including:
The document also emphasises the importance of regular equipment maintenance, site monitoring, and air quality checks to ensure dust levels remain below workplace exposure limits (WELs) set by the HSE. Workers are trained to recognise dust hazards, follow safe work procedures, and report any control failures immediately. In line with Raising the Bar 18, the toolbox talk also discusses the importance of health surveillance for operatives exposed to dust over prolonged periods.
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Our online document generator makes it easy to create customised toolbox talks like this one. By entering site-specific details, you can generate a professional, compliant document in minutes—helping your business maintain consistent, high-quality safety communication across all highways projects.
Useful Resources and Links
Traffic Signs Manual – Chapter 8: Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual
Safety at Street Works and Road Works (The Red Book):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-at-street-works-and-road-works
HSE Guidance on Dust and Silica Control:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/dust.htm