This example covers granite dust from cutting, grinding and drilling - typically 20–30% crystalline silica - with wet cutting, extraction and health surveillance controls.
This example COSHH risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS5 COSHH Assessment form template - a purpose-built template designed to focus entirely on what matters: identifying the hazards of each substance, recording the controls and PPE that manage them, and confirming exposure is adequately controlled, without any unnecessary fields getting in the way.
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be saved to Google Docs if required, with pre-defined styles throughout to match the risk ratings.
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COSHH Assessment - Granite Dust (Natural Stone / Crystalline Silica)
This pre-completed COSHH assessment covers granite dust generated during cutting, grinding, drilling and polishing of natural granite. Granite is a complex silicate rock typically containing 20–30% crystalline quartz, so the dust carries respirable crystalline silica (RCS) - a Group 1 carcinogen. Updated in July 2026 to reflect current control expectations, with wet cutting, on-tool extraction and health surveillance for regularly exposed workers.
The assessment applies to natural granite only. Quartz composite worktop material is a different and far higher-risk material - up to 95% crystalline silica - and has its own assessment: COSHH-97 Engineered Stone Dust, aligned to the dedicated engineered stone COSHH guidance the HSE published in May 2026.
What Does This COSHH Assessment Cover?
The assessment is fully completed and ready to use, covering all sections required for a complete hazardous substance risk assessment:
- Substance identification - natural granite dust containing crystalline quartz, SDS reference and physical state
- Health effects and first aid - inhalation, ingestion, skin contact and eye contact, with specific first aid for each route and medical referral after significant exposure even without symptoms
- Silicosis and carcinogen risk - RCS causes silicosis (progressive and irreversible), lung cancer, COPD and kidney disease; short-term high exposures from dry cutting can cause acute silicosis
- Workplace exposure limits - RCS TWA 0.1 mg/m³ over 8 hours, with exposure kept as low as reasonably practicable
- Control measures - wet cutting and grinding with on-tool extraction, no dry sweeping or compressed air (HEPA vacuum or wet methods only), slurry cleaned up before it dries, and health surveillance for regularly exposed workers
- CLP hazard classification - Irritant and Long-term health hazard pictograms
- PPE requirements - FFP3 respirator as a minimum, half or full-face P3 respirator for sustained cutting or grinding, goggles, coveralls, gloves and hearing protection for powered tools
- Emergency procedures - spillage and slurry containment, no discharge to drains, and disposal guidance
Who Is This COSHH Assessment For?
This assessment is suitable for any workplace cutting or finishing natural granite, including:
- Stonemasonry and monumental masonry workshops
- Worktop fabricators working natural granite
- Contractors cutting granite paving, setts and cladding
- Quarrying and stone processing operations
Working From the Safety Data Sheet
The assessment reflects the hazards and controls found in typical safety data sheets for natural granite. Quartz content varies by stone, so check the details against the SDS for the material in use and record your own storage locations, users and site-specific controls.
COSHH Compliance
This document provides ready-to-use evidence of COSHH compliance and supports occupational health and safety management. The assessment is based on the F-HS5 COSHH Assessment template, is fully editable in Microsoft Word, and can be customised with your company details, site-specific information and review dates.