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Wood Dust Compliance Checklist (2025)
Wood dust is a respiratory sensitiser and hardwood dust is classified as carcinogenic. This 2025 checklist helps woodworking and fabrication shops meet UK COSHH duties with practical, shop-floor steps.
Know Your Limits (WELs)
Workplace Exposure Limits (8-hr TWA) apply to inhalable wood dust. For mixed soft/hardwood, the lower hardwood limit applies:
| Dust Type | WEL (8-hr TWA) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood dust | 5 mg/m³ (inhalable) | Applies to softwood only |
| Hardwood dust | 3 mg/m³ (inhalable) | Also applies to mixed soft/hardwood |
Fast Compliance Checklist
- Assess – Identify dust-producing tasks, measure exposures, record in COSHH assessment.
- Control at Source – LEV with effective hoods, high-vac extraction, downdraft benches; maintain and commission regularly.
- Maintain & Prove It – Thorough Examination & Test (TExT) every 14 months, keep records ≥5 years, daily/weekly checks.
- RPE – Use FFP3 or powered units as backup; ensure face-fit tests, training, and records.
- Health Surveillance – Detect asthma/dermatitis early with questionnaires or clinical checks.
Shop-Floor Quick Audit (tick and action)
| Item | Status | Action / Owner |
|---|---|---|
| LEV hoods positioned & capturing dust | ✅ / ❌ | |
| Airflow indicator in the green zone | ✅ / ❌ | |
| Filters/bags changed per schedule; no leaks | ✅ / ❌ | |
| TExT report within last 14 months | ✅ / ❌ | |
| RPE available, face-fit tested, maintained | ✅ / ❌ | |
| Health surveillance in place | ✅ / ❌ | |
| Housekeeping: H-class vacs; no dry sweeping | ✅ / ❌ |
Sanding Belt Choices That Help Controls Work
- Open-coat aluminium oxide – for soft/resinous woods (less loading).
- Stearate-coated belts – reduce clogging, heat, and re-passes.
- Correct grit progression – start coarse to shorten time-at-source, then refine.
- Tool pairing – always connect to LEV/high-vac; ensure good hood seals.
Open the Sanding Belt Calculator
Video: Wood Dust LEV & Extraction in Action
This short video shows how local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and correct sanding belt choices help woodworking shops stay compliant with COSHH. Watch practical examples of effective dust capture at source, and why correct belt selection reduces dust at its origin.
What Inspectors Commonly Ask For
- Evidence that exposure is controlled (LEV effective, dust captured).
- TExT report (≤14 months old), with defects fixed.
- RPE fit-test records, training, clean-shaven policy.
- Health surveillance records where required.
- Clear housekeeping procedure (no dry sweeping/compressed air).
Note: This content is informational, not legal advice. Always consult HSE guidance and your competent person/occupational hygienist.
