Bungling workmen have been accused of creating ‘clouds of dust’ linked to a slew of serious health risks for children to walk through in a popular park after failing to observe strict safety precautions.
Midlothian residents blasted “unsafe” local authority subcontractors in Newtongrange amid concerns dry concrete cutting tools are kicking up respirable crystalline silica (RCS) debris previously found to have caused a number of lung conditions.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legally requires all workers using the tools to take ‘control methods,’ usually involving water injection, in order to prevent the airborne residue being blasted into the air.
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Midlothian Council will now remind workers of their “obligations” after receiving complaints from locals.
Work has been ongoing in Newtongrange Welfare Park - often used as a through-route to the nearby Newtongrange Primary School - for several weeks.
HSE advice warns “serious health effects…such as lung cancer or silicosis” can result from the fine material being ingested from the air.
Crystalline silica is often used in large quantities to make bricks, concrete and tiles for domestic and commercial use.
One neighbour told Edinburgh Live: “Dry cutting is illegal and harmful, and has been for many years.
“The council must monitor its contractors and show due diligence in correcting unsafe working practices, protecting the public.
“These subcontractors had no PPE on whatsoever, no goggles, ear protection, dust masks and didn't look out for children passing to school through clouds of dust.”
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He added: “Someone will end up with an injury unless they actually put control measures in place to protect the public.”
The executive cautions those operating power tools to use “wet cutting methods,” either via a mains or portable system.
Saturating the saws or ground they are cutting prevents dust from entering the air, however HSE guidance still suggests workers wear personal protective equipment such as facemasks with attached filtering respirators before carrying out works.
A Midlothian Council spokesman said: “We will remind contractors of their health and safety legal obligations to their employees and members of the public and ensure that they follow these.”
