SG11:26 Dust, Vibration & Noise - Digital Download (PDF format)

Protect your workforce from three of the most significant occupational health risks in scaffolding. SG11:26 Dust, Vibration & Noise provides practical guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risk, implementing effective control measures, and complying with legal duties relating to respiratory dust, hand-arm vibration and workplace noise.

SG11:26 Dust, Vibration & Noise is essential guidance for scaffolding and access contractors seeking to protect operatives from the long-term health effects associated with dust inhalation, hand-arm vibration and excessive noise exposure.

Updated in June 2026, this comprehensive guidance brings together three key occupational health topics into a single document, helping employers take a coordinated approach to risk assessment, control measures, training and health surveillance.

The publication explains legal responsibilities under COSHH, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations and the Control of Noise at Work Regulations, while providing practical advice tailored to scaffolding operations. Topics include silica dust exposure, respiratory protective equipment (RPE), hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), vibration exposure assessment, hearing protection, noise monitoring, health surveillance and safe use of power tools.

The guidance also includes worked examples, assessment templates, monitoring data and practical recommendations to help duty holders reduce risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Key topics include:

• Construction dust and respiratory health risks
• Silica dust, wood dust and exposure controls
• RPE selection, face-fit testing and PPE compatibility
• Hand-arm vibration (HAV) and HAVS prevention
• Vibration exposure assessment and management
• Safe use of drills, reciprocating saws and impact wrenches
• Noise risk assessment and hearing protection requirements
• Health surveillance obligations and good practice
• Environmental noise considerations
• Practical templates and assessment tools

A valuable resource for directors, managers, supervisors, health and safety professionals and scaffolding operatives responsible for managing occupational health risks in the workplace.