Concrete grinding is a common but high-risk task on construction sites, releasing hazardous respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. Without control, this fine dust can exceed the UK Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) of 0.1 mg/m³ in a matter of minutes, especially when dry grinding is carried out in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
This guide outlines practical steps for effectively reducing dust when grinding concrete, highlighting solutions in line with HSE guidelines (read our full construction dust safety guide here).
Use on-tool dust extraction to capture dust at the source
The most effective way to reduce concrete dust is to control it where it's generated — at the grinding tool itself. On-tool extraction involves fitting grinding equipment with a sealed shroud and connecting it to a high-performance vacuum extractor. These systems pull dust away from the tool’s surface before it enters the air.
The Health and Safety Executive recommends using H-class extractors for work involving silica dust. These units must be fitted with HEPA filters capable of capturing even the finest particles. It’s also critical to regularly check the system’s airflow, maintain tight hose connections, and change filters as needed to ensure full performance.
Apply water through wet grinding or mobile suppression units
Where dry extraction isn’t enough — or for especially high-dust tasks — wet grinding offers a proven method to reduce airborne dust. By introducing water at the grinding surface, silica dust becomes trapped in slurry before it can escape into the air. This dramatically reduces inhalation risk for workers nearby.
Wet suppression can be delivered using water-fed grinders or by manually spraying the surface before and during grinding. However, for larger areas or more intensive work, mobile dust suppression units provide a more efficient solution. At Ace Plant, we offer a wide range of water-based systems for hire, from compact 2250L units to high-capacity 9000L systems, with options including rain guns, spinning discs, and road wash systems for flexible application.
It’s essential to manage slurry responsibly, as allowing it to dry out can create a secondary dust risk, while improper disposal may breach environmental regulations. Learn more about how dust suppression actually works in our full guide.
Use area-based suppression for large or open sites
On-tool and wet methods control dust locally, but in larger environments — such as open sites, concrete yards, or residential-adjacent zones — ambient airborne dust can still become an issue.
In these situations, area-based suppression offers an effective additional control layer. This includes fan-driven misting systems or telehandler-mounted spray units that treat the wider environment with a fine water mist. This helps to capture airborne particles before they travel across the site or reach public areas.
Ace Plant provides several proven options, including the Dust Fighter DF7500MPT, the compact Smart Dust Fighter, and our mobile Quickspray system, which is ideal for high-reach or hard-to-access locations.
Avoid dry sweeping
Once grinding stops, the danger doesn’t. Fine dust can settle on floors, equipment, and surfaces, and if disturbed through dry sweeping or air blowing, it can become airborne all over again.
To manage this, always use industrial vacuums with H-class or HEPA filters for cleanup. These are designed to safely capture RCS and prevent recirculation into the air. Wet sweeping with minimal agitation is another acceptable method, particularly in smaller or outdoor areas.
Dry sweeping should never be used where silica dust is present. The HSE makes this clear in its construction dust guidance, and doing so risks both legal penalties and unnecessary exposure.
Provide proper PPE
While engineering controls like extraction and suppression are the priority, there may still be times when respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is needed — particularly during setup, breakdown, or when working in confined spaces.
All workers engaged in grinding tasks should be provided with the correct RPE. This includes FFP3 disposable masks or half-mask respirators with P3 filters. For prolonged or high-exposure tasks, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) with hoods rated to TH2 protection may be more suitable.
RPE should always be face-fit tested with a proper seal. Supervisors must enforce these policies consistently.
Train, supervise, and monitor exposure
Even with the right equipment, reducing dust exposure depends on how it's used in practice. That’s why effective supervision and training are essential.
Workers must be trained to use dust suppression systems correctly, including proper maintenance and inspection. Supervisors should check connections, airflow, and cleaning routines regularly, and ensure that RPE is worn correctly by all required personnel.
For workers exposed to silica dust over time, health surveillance is also required under COSHH. This may include lung function testing, respiratory health checks, or even chest X-rays in higher-risk environments. You can find detailed guidance in the HSE’s G404 document.
Reducing dust when grinding concrete is not a single action, it requires a combination of the right tools, methods, and team awareness. To summarise:
- Use on-tool extraction with sealed shrouds and H-class vacuums
- Apply water at the point of grinding using wet polishers or mobile spray systems
- Control ambient dust with fan-based or mounted suppression units
- Clean up using HEPA vacuums, never with dry brooms or compressed air
- Provide proper RPE, fit tested and suitable for the task
- Train your team, supervise all processes, and monitor exposure over time
Why choose Ace Plant?
Ace Plant has over 45 years of experience developing and supplying UK-built dust suppression equipment to the construction, infrastructure, and quarrying sectors. We offer a wide range of mobile suppression units for hire, from 2250L to 9000L, and can supply everything from fan-driven systems to spray-mounted attachments and telehandler-compatible solutions.
Get in touch with Ace Plant today to discuss the most effective dust suppression solutions for your site. Whether you're grinding concrete in a residential area, on a major infrastructure project, or managing day-to-day health and safety compliance, we can help you reduce airborne dust and meet your legal obligation