Effective Date: 18/05/2026 Reviewed: 18/05/2026 Next Review Due: 18/11/2026 Approved By: ____________________
1. Policy Statement
At Granite Kitchen Services Ltd (GKS), we recognise the serious health risks posed by respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and are fully committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and wellbeing of all employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. This policy has been updated in line with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) engineered stone guidance and enforcement programme introduced in May 2026 under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.
GKS is committed to eliminating exposure to silica dust through engineering controls, safe systems of work, substitution of materials where reasonably practicable, health surveillance, and ongoing staff training. Silicosis is entirely preventable, and no worker should be exposed to uncontrolled silica dust.
2. Objectives
• Protect all employees and contractors from exposure to respirable crystalline silica. • Eliminate uncontrolled dry cutting and dry polishing activities. • Ensure compliance with all current HSE guidance, COSHH Regulations 2002, and workplace exposure limits. • Promote the use of lower silica and zero silica products where possible. • Maintain industry-leading dust suppression and extraction controls. • Provide ongoing training, fit-tested respiratory protective equipment (RPE), and health surveillance. • Continuously review and improve working practices and control measures.
3. Material Specific Working Procedures
3.1 Standard Engineered Quartz • Zero dry cutting is permitted anywhere within the factory, including the waterwall bay. • Zero dry cutting is permitted on site under any circumstances. • Wet polishing methods only are permitted. • CNC saws and CNC routers must be used for all cutting operations wherever practicable.
3.2 Zero Silica Quartz (e.g. Unistone Uniq) • No dry cutting is permitted within the factory without effective water suppression or water and vacuum extraction systems to control dust. • No dry cutting is permitted on site without effective water suppression or vacuum
extraction systems to control dust. • Wet polishing methods only are permitted.
3.3 Granite and Marble • No dry cutting is permitted within the factory without effective water suppression or water and vacuum extraction systems to control dust. • No dry cutting is permitted on site without effective water suppression or vacuum extraction systems to control dust. • Wet polishing methods only are permitted.
3.4 Sintered Stone and Ceramic • No dry cutting is permitted within the factory without effective water suppression or water and vacuum extraction systems to control dust. • No dry cutting is permitted on site without effective water suppression or vacuum extraction systems to control dust. • Wet polishing methods only are permitted.
4. Existing Engineering Controls and Safe Systems of Work
• GKS has invested heavily in advanced CNC machinery, automated edge polishers, and water-suppressed cutting systems. • Over 95% of fabrication activities are completed using water-cooled machinery to minimise airborne silica dust. • All wastewater and slurry are processed through a closed-loop filtration and recycling system. • The designated waterwall bay includes extraction and water suppression controls designed to capture airborne contaminants. • On-tool water suppression must be used during cutting operations. • Suitable vacuum extraction systems must be used where wet suppression alone is insufficient. • Appropriate RPE meeting HSE standards, including face-fit testing and maintenance, will be provided and worn where required. • Housekeeping procedures must prevent the accumulation of dry dust. Dry sweeping is prohibited; wet cleaning or Class M/H vacuum systems must be used.
5. Health Surveillance and Monitoring
• GKS will carry out regular health surveillance for all employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica in accordance with HSE guidance and COSHH requirements. • Air monitoring and exposure assessments will be conducted periodically to ensure controls remain effective. • Health surveillance may include respiratory questionnaires, lung function testing, and occupational health assessments. • Records relating to exposure monitoring, training, maintenance, and health surveillance will be maintained in accordance with legal requirements.
6. Training and Competency
• All relevant staff will receive training on silica hazards, safe systems of work, COSHH controls, emergency procedures, and the correct use of RPE. • Supervisors are responsible for ensuring staff remain competent and compliant with this policy. • Refresher training will be carried out regularly and whenever processes, materials, or regulations change.
7. Responsibilities
Directors and Senior Management • Ensure implementation and regular review of this policy. • Provide sufficient resources for equipment, training, and health surveillance. • Ensure compliance with HSE guidance and COSHH legislation.
Supervisors and Line Managers • Monitor daily compliance with silica control measures. • Stop unsafe work immediately. • Ensure controls, water suppression, and extraction systems are functioning correctly.
Employees and Contractors • Follow all safe systems of work and training provided. • Wear and maintain issued PPE and RPE correctly. • Report defects, unsafe practices, or concerns relating to dust exposure immediately.
8. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, HSE guidance, working practices, materials used, or following any incident or exposure concern.
This policy reflects GKS’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards of health and safety within the stone fabrication and installation industry.
