Cutting concrete whether it’s for expansion joints, slab removal, or trenching generates more than just noise and slurry. It releases fine concrete dust, including crystalline silica, which poses a serious health risk if left uncontrolled. Inhaling these very small particles over time can lead to permanent lung disease, including silicosis, COPD and in some cases, lung cancer.
The good news is there are effective, proven dust control methods that reduce this risk dramatically. Here’s how to manage dust when cutting concrete, protect your team, and meet Australian safety standards.
Why Concrete Dust Is Dangerous
Concrete contains cement, sand and aggregate, which in turn contain crystalline silica. When a rotating cutting blade passes through concrete, it creates airborne silica dust fine, sharp particles small enough to reach deep into the lungs.
Without proper dust control, this becomes a high-risk exposure, especially on indoor concrete cutting jobs or in enclosed and confined spaces where dust accumulation is harder to manage.
Upgrade your current Wet or Dry-Vacuum Cutting to better Suppress Dust
Wet cutting is the most widely recommended method for reducing dust emissions when cutting concrete. Applying a continuous water flow directly to the cutting blade helps trap particles before they become airborne. Guarda Systems has built on this accepted method by integrating water and vacuum resulting in the world’s most advanced silica dust suppression system.
Benefits of Guarda’s Tri-Vac Technology dust suppression system when cutting concrete:
- Suppresses airborne particles at the source
- Prevents silica from becoming respirable
- Reduces cleanup time by containing concrete slurry
- Keeps blade cooler, increasing cutting efficiency
Wear the Right Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
Even with great engineering controls in place, personal protective equipment should be considered. The type of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) used should match the task and level of exposure.
Common RPE used when sawing concrete includes:
- Disposable dust respirators (P2 or higher) for low-exposure work
- Half-face or full-face dust respirators with dust cartridges for longer tasks
- Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) for high-risk, enclosed areas
To protect construction workers, all respirators must be properly fitted and sealed. Using the wrong type or wearing it incorrectly can lead to dangerous leaks and long-term exposure.
Choose the Right Concrete Cutting Equipment
Not all saws are built the same. At Guarda, our unique concrete cutting saws have integrated water and vacuum dust and slurry suppression suited to both indoor and outdoor applications.
Whether you’re working on a slab, wall, or trench, we’ll pair you with the most appropriate tool for the job and advise on the best method for controlling dust safely.
Dust Control Is Non-Negotiable
If you’re still using conventional wet or dry-vacuum dust suppression or wearing minimal PPE, you’re not just breaking guidelines you’re putting your health at risk.
Australian WHS regulations make dust control mandatory for the construction industry, and rightfully so. With the proper technique, training and protective equipment, we can dramatically reduce dust exposure and protect everyone on site.