Story perspectives

HSE Bans Dry Stone Cutting, Mandates Wet Method

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Health and Safety Executive mandated wet cutting of engineered stone and banned dry cutting.
HSE research showed dry cutting releases five to ten times more respirable crystalline silica than wet cutting.
The agency began inspecting 1,000 UK fabricators to enforce the rules.
Liberal Democrat MP Liz Jarvis praised the safety campaign and noted that Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations already require employers to limit silica exposure.

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Story summary

The Health and Safety Executive mandated wet cutting of engineered stone and banned dry cutting.
HSE research showed dry cutting releases five to ten times more respirable crystalline silica than wet cutting.
The agency began inspecting 1,000 UK fabricators to enforce the rules.
Liberal Democrat MP Liz Jarvis praised the safety campaign and noted that Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations already require employers to limit silica exposure.