INFORMATION LEAFLET –
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DUST FROM DIY ACTIVITIES
EPS182
Oct 2008
AND SMALL SCALE CONSTRUCTION WORKS
L44
DIY and small scale construction activities have the potential to generate significant
amounts of dust which can have an impact on the environment and those living
close to the work.
Dust from various construction or DIY processes contains a wide range
of particle sizes and material types (e.g. silica) which can cause both
minor and serious health problems. It can also cause considerable
nuisance to neighbours by the soiling of property, in particular,
windows, cars and washing that has been hung out to dry.
DUST AND THE LAW
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 dust from any type of activity can be
judged to be causing a statutory nuisance to neighbouring properties where the dust is
affecting their enjoyment of their property – e.g. if they cannot sit in their garden, put
washing out, must keep windows closed or their property requires cleaning to remove the
dust. A legal notice can be served requiring that the dust nuisance is abated and failure to
comply with the requirements of the notice can result in prosecution.
WHAT YOU CAN DO

Think! Would you be happy if your neighbour covered your property in dust?
Consider how much dust your job is going to generate and have a plan of how you
will deal with it before you start.

Speak with your neighbours. Simple information such as how much work you have
to do and how long it might last for can go a long way to maintaining relations with
them. Be sure to tell them that if the dust is bothering them then they should speak
to you first and let you know so that you can do something about it. Most
importantly, if they do come to you and say it is a problem – do something about it!

Where possible avoid doing dusty work (such as cutting) outside. If you must do
work outside then avoid doing it on windy days. If you can’t, try screening your work
area in some way or look for an area that isn’t being so
affected by the wind.

If you can, do dusty jobs such as cutting and sawing inside
– in a shed or garage for example where the dust will be contained and easy to clean up afterwards. Protect yourself
at all times when doing dusty jobs – use dust masks, suitable eyewear and overalls. 
If you have a lot of cutting to do, do as much of it as
possible in one go – consider the fact that your neighbours
may not mind cleaning up after you once but will not want
to do it day after day! Offer to clean up any dust on their
property when the job is finished – there is every probability that you caused it to be
there!

Use tools designed to minimise dust – e.g. tools with water suppression or vacuum
attachments. If you are hiring your equipment for the job ask for tools that have
some form of dust suppression.

Clean up as soon as possible to prevent dust becoming wind entrained – avoid dry
brushing where possible and use water to wet surfaces before sweeping.

Dispose of dusty materials – do not leave bags of cement or fine sand (especially
open ones or empty ones) lying around.

Skips and piles of demolished/recovered materials such as brick rubble which might
have a high dust content should be covered or wetted to prevent dust being picked
up by the wind.
GUIDANCE
If your business is construction and/or demolition you should be aware
that the Building Research Establishment has published guidance
intended to assist with dust control.
Control of Dust from Construction and Demolition Activities (BRE
Bookshop)
is
available
and
can
be
downloaded
from
www.brebookshop.com. It gives detailed advice on generic and current
best practice control measures. These are intended to be applied to
construction related activity of any size and type from the individual
operator to the large scale projects with multiple operators.
FURTHER ADVICE
To obtain further advice on this subject please contact the Housing and Public Protection
Department:
Telephone: 01978 298989 Email: [email protected]