Silica Dust Safety When Grinding Concrete — What You Must Know

6 April 2026·5 min read

What is Silica Dust?

Concrete contains crystalline silica. When ground or drilled, it releases fine dust particles called respirable crystalline silica (RCS). When inhaled, RCS particles cause irreversible scarring in the lungs — silicosis. There is no cure.

Australian Regulations

Safe Work Australia has strict requirements:

Exposure standard: 0.05mg/m3 (8-hour TWA)

Dust controls are mandatory for all concrete grinding

PPE is required even with dust controls

Control Measures

Engineering controls (most effective)

H-Class dust extraction connected directly to the grinder

Wet grinding where practical

PPE (minimum requirement)

P2 or P3 half-face respirator

Safety glasses

Ear protection

H-Class Dust Extraction

H-Class extractors filter particles down to 0.3 microns with 99.995% efficiency. Standard vacuum cleaners and M-Class extractors are NOT suitable for silica dust.

The Husqvarna DE 110 SH included in our Pro hire packages is H-Class rated. It connects directly to the PG280 and auto-starts with the grinder.