Inputs
Example data table
Use these sample values to understand outputs and reporting.
| Scenario | Task | Material | Duration | Controls | Risk score | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor drilling, limited airflow | High dust | Concrete | 15–60 min | Basic wetting, no LEV | ~58 | High |
| Outdoor cutting with strong controls | High dust | Stone | 1–2 hrs | Wet + HEPA LEV + barriers | ~34 | Moderate |
| Light mixing outdoors | Minor dust | Mixed | Under 15 min | General ventilation, cleanup routine | ~14 | Low |
Formula used
This calculator uses a weighted scoring method with 0–4 ratings.
- Hazard score (0–100): weighted sum of task, material, duration, frequency, proximity, enclosure, and wind, divided by 4.
- Control score (0–100): weighted sum of wet suppression, extraction/ventilation, isolation, housekeeping, respiratory protection, and administration, divided by 4.
- Risk score (0–100): Risk = Hazard × (1 − Reduction), where Reduction = min(Control/125, 0.80).
Higher hazard increases risk; stronger controls reduce it. Scores are for planning and prioritization, not a substitute for monitoring or regulatory assessment.
Construction dust risk management in the field
Dust control is a productivity and health priority on construction sites. Cutting, grinding, drilling, sweeping, and demolition create fine particles that can remain airborne, settle on surfaces, and re‑suspend with foot traffic or wind. When silica‑bearing materials are involved, repeated exposure can contribute to serious long‑term respiratory disease. Even non‑silica dust can reduce visibility, contaminate finishes, trigger asthma symptoms, and cause complaints from neighbors or building occupants. A practical dust plan starts by identifying dusty tasks, predicting when and where exposure will occur, and selecting controls that are realistic for the crew, tools, and location.
This calculator supports that workflow by converting job conditions into a consistent screening score. The hazard portion considers task type, material, duration, frequency, distance from the source, enclosure/ventilation, and weather. The control portion credits measures that reduce emissions or exposure, such as wet methods, local extraction, barriers, housekeeping, respiratory protection, and administrative actions. Use the result to compare alternative methods, justify equipment choices, and decide which activities need tighter supervision or restricted access. It also helps communicate risk in a simple way during daily briefings.
Good practice control hierarchy
- Reduce at source: choose low‑dust tools, maintain bits/blades, and apply wet cutting where suitable.
- Capture: use shrouds and extraction with high‑efficiency filtration to prevent spread.
- Contain: isolate the work area with barriers, keep doors closed, and manage pedestrian routes.
- Clean safely: HEPA vacuum or damp wipe; avoid dry sweeping and compressed air.
- Protect people: select appropriate respirators, train users, and verify fit where required.
Verification matters. Before work starts, check water flow, shroud contact, hose integrity, filter loading, and that waste (slurry, dust bags) is handled before it dries and becomes airborne again. During the task, watch for visible plumes, dust on ledges, and migration into adjacent areas. If controls are not working, stop and correct the setup rather than “pushing through.”
Document assumptions and outcomes. Saving the CSV/PDF with selected controls helps build consistent method statements and inspection checklists. Where required, add air monitoring to confirm performance, especially for high‑hazard materials or long‑duration work inside enclosures.
Example planning record
Example inputs for a two‑hour concrete cutting task (indoor, moderate enclosure):
| Item | Baseline | Improved controls |
|---|---|---|
| Controls | General ventilation only | Wet method + extraction + barriers + RPE |
| Expected classification | High | Moderate |
| Action focus | Add capture/containment, limit access | Verify controls, inspect filters, manage slurry |
Use the score as a decision aid, not a guarantee. If conditions change (longer duration, tighter enclosure, different material, failed extraction, stronger winds), recalculate and upgrade controls before work continues.
FAQs
1) Is the risk score a compliance determination?
No. It is a planning indicator to compare tasks and prioritize controls. Use your local regulations, project specifications, and monitoring results for compliance decisions and exposure limits.
2) When should I treat a task as silica-related?
If you cut, drill, grind, or demolish concrete, masonry, stone, or engineered stone, assume silica may be present unless verified otherwise. Confirm material information and follow your site control plan.
3) Do wet methods always reduce risk?
They often reduce airborne dust at the source, but effectiveness depends on flow, tool setup, and cleanup. Manage slurry so it does not dry and become airborne, and control slip hazards.
4) How should I choose respiratory protection?
Select protection based on task intensity, enclosure, and dust generation. Provide training, maintenance, and fit checks where required, and match filters to the hazard and manufacturer guidance.
5) Why can wind increase risk for outdoor work?
Wind can spread dust to adjacent trades and public areas, making containment harder. Use barriers, place cutting stations downwind, and schedule dusty tasks when conditions support control and cleanup.
6) What checks should accompany a “moderate” score?
Confirm controls are installed and operating, inspect seals and shrouds, check vacuum filters, and verify water supply. Recalculate if conditions change, and upgrade controls if visible dust persists.
7) Can I use this for method statements and records?
Yes. Save the output to document assumptions, selected controls, and review points. For final method statements, add task steps, responsibilities, inspection frequency, and any monitoring requirements.
How to use this calculator
- Select the task type and material that best match your work.
- Set duration, frequency, proximity, enclosure, and weather conditions.
- Choose the controls you will actually apply on site.
- Press Calculate Dust Risk to view results above the form.
- Use the recommended actions to upgrade weak control areas.
- Download CSV or PDF to keep planning and inspection records.
Work cleaner, breathe easier, document controls, and protect crews.