HSE updates health surveillance guidance: respirable crystalline silica (RCS)

HSE has refreshed its guidance publication ‘Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica’ G404.

The publication has been refreshed to emphasise:

• where workers are regularly exposed to RCS dust and there is a reasonable likelihood that silicosis may develop
• worktop manufacturing and installation are stated as high-risk occupations and provision of health surveillance must be considered

• health surveillance is a risk-based scheme of repeated health checks and is required under the COSHH Regulations for those exposed to hazardous substances to detect ill-health effects early and show whether review and revision of risk assessment and control measures are necessary

• occupational health professionals should be consulted to identify when additional health surveillance is needed, for example where over-exposure to RCS dust has already occurred

You can read the updated publication: Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica (G404).