NFRC Cut the Dust

Campaign to Tackle Deadly Silica Exposure

Cutting roof tiles releases respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust—typically containing 30–45% silica. This dust can cause lung cancer, silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, employers must prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances, including silica dust. This is not optional. It is a legal duty.

NFRC resources and guidance

The roofing industry has made strong progress in preventing accidents, particularly falls from height. But a different risk remains, one that cannot be seen, is often underestimated, and can cause permanent, life-changing harm.

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust is generated during routine tasks like cutting tiles, slates and mortar. Its effects are not immediate and exposure builds over time, silently damaging the lungs. Because the risk may be invisible, but the consequences are not.

Cut the Dust is an industry-led campaign and pledge to eliminate preventable exposure to silica dust in roofing—making effective dust control the standard, not the exception.

This campaign is not about paperwork. It is about culture.

COSHH sets the legal framework, but compliance alone doesn’t change outcomes, behaviour does. The real risk is the normalisation of poor practice: “it’s only a quick cut” or “we’ve always done it this way.” Cut the Dust is about making good practice the default. If it creates dust, control it; if it can’t be controlled, stop and rethink; and where controls aren’t being used, take responsibility to put it right.

These are not complex solutions. They are practical, achievable and effective. The difference is consistency.

The Cut the Dust Pledge calls on roofers, contractors, principal contractors and suppliers to commit to:

Controlling every cut–no uncontrolled dry cutting
Using water suppression or on-tool extraction
Wearing suitable RPE (minimum FFP3 where required)
Eliminating dry sweeping and blowing of dust
Training teams and challenging unsafe practices

The Hidden Risk on Every Roof

Silica is present in many common roofing materials, including concrete and clay tiles, slates and mortar. When these materials are cut, drilled or ground, particularly during dry cutting, they release fine respirable dust particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Silica dust can cause:

Lung cancer
Silicosis
Emphysema
Chronic respiratory disease

The danger is not immediate. Exposure builds over time, and by the time symptoms appear, the damage is already done.

Cut the Dust: Pledge Support

Any organisation can pledge support for the Cut the Dust campaign. Pledging support means that the organisation/ individual has read and understood the guidance, is committed to promoting and implementing the campaign throughout their organisation. To pledge simply complete the form below.

Cut the Dust Pledge Form

The NFRC’s Cut the Dust has been developed to tackle the serious health risks associated with respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust generated during roofing activities.

The campaign supports the industry in meeting its duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and seeks to eliminate preventable exposure to silica dust through the consistent use of effective control measures.

Pledging to Cut the Dust is intended to become a core expectation across NFRC membership, supporting a collective commitment to improving health outcomes within the roofing sector.

We encourage you to review the NFRC guidance and demonstrate your commitment by completing the pledge below.

By pledging your support, you are confirming that you will:

Understand the risks associated with silica dust exposure
Implement effective dust control measures, including controlling dust at source
Avoid uncontrolled dry cutting activities
Provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) where required
Promote good practice across your workforce and supply chain

First name ^* (required)

Last name ^* (required)

Company name ^* (required)

Position ^* (required)

Email address ^* (required)

Pledge

We commit to cutting dust, not corners. On behalf of my organisation, I declare that I have read and understood the Cut the Dust guidance provided to me and that we agree to sign up to and pledge our support for NFRC's Cut the Dust campaign.

By signing this pledge, we agree to:

Control Every Cut: No uncontrolled dry cutting of tiles, slates or mortar.
Use Proper Dust Suppression: Water suppression or on-tool extraction will be used whenever materials are cut.
Wear the Right Protection: Suitable RPE (minimum FFP3 where required).
No Dry Sweeping: Dust will be damped down or removed using appropriate industrial vacuums.
Train and Challenge: We will train our teams and challenge unsafe practices.

Please tick to confirm your acceptance * ^* (required)

I accept

Are you an NFRC Member or a contractor registered with NFRC CPS. ^* (required)

Yes, NFRC Trade Member

Yes, NFRC Supplier Member

Yes, NFRC CPS Registered Contractor

No, please send me information about joining

What is your profession? ^* (required)

Can we keep your details on our CRM system so that we can follow-up your enquiry? (If required.) ^* (required)

Yes

We will only use your details to keep you up to date on Cut the Dust information.

Download free NFRC resources

For further information contact [email protected].

Further resources

When you complete the pledge you can request a free campaign kit which includes a certificate which you can print then proudly display at your place of work. Please allow 3-5 working days to receive your campaign kit. If you have already pledged and forgot to request it, simply contact the campaign team on the email above.