The latest HSE guidance, published as COSHH Essentials sheet ST3A, has resulted in many stone fabricators reviewing how their engineered stone is processed and how exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is and can be controlled.
Wet working is the process of using water at all points where engineered stone is cut, ground or polished to suppress respirable crystalline silica dust before it becomes airborne.
For many fabricators, the question will be the same; where do we start?
Every fabrication workshop is different, so the right approach will depend on your equipment, workflow and production volumes. Some may need to upgrade existing equipment, while others may need to review their entire fabrication process. The key is understanding where dust is generated and introducing the right controls at every stage.
At Stonegate, we stock a wide range of wet cutting, grinding and polishing solutions to help fabricators transition towards safer and compliant fabrication methods.
Why wet working is essential following the latest HSE guidance
Engineered stone contains high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS). When this material is cut using dry methods, fine silica particles become airborne and present a serious health risk if inhaled over time.
Wet working helps control this risk by introducing water at the point where dust is generated. By suppressing dust during cutting, fabricators can significantly reduce the amount of airborne particles created during the process.
However, effective wet working involves more than simply adding water. The right approach involves considering your entire process.
By reviewing each stage of your workflow, you can identify where changes and improvements are needed.
What does effective wet working look like?
Cutting is one of the first stages where effective dust suppression is essential. Using tooling designed for wet fabrication controls the dust at source, without compromising on cutting performance. When working in wet conditions, it is good practice to use air tools. For fabricators looking to use tools, solutions such as the Alpha PWC-614 Grinder, Alpha PSC-150 Stone Cutter or the GPW-215CA Air Cutting Saw all offer reliable wet cutting for within the factory.
Using the correct blade also assists with effective dust suppression. Choosing one with more water holes allows the water to reach dust as soon as it is generated, preventing it from becoming airborne.
Achieving a high-quality polished finish remains just as important when adopting wet working methods, to ensure the client is happy with their finish project. Tools such as the Alpha PSP-114 Polisher and Alpha Air-854 Polisher are both solutions for fabricators looking to deliver high-quality finishes while using wet working methods.
Wet Working Solutions for On Site Installation
Portable Wet Cutting Equipment
Wet working doesn’t stop when the worktop leaves the factory. Often, you need to carry out final adjustments and trim cuts during install – meaning that suitable equipment is needed on site.
Portable wet cutting solutions allow installers to complete adjustments while maintaining safer working practices away from the factory. Our solutions such as the Makita LXT Disc Cutter, Flex Wet Saw and Rubi Wet Table Saw are all practical options for installers who need portable wet cutting options. Having this equipment on site helps ensure that the same standards applied in the factory, continue throughout the installation process.
There are other practicalities that come into play when working on site such as how to suppress spray at a clients premises or what to do with the water once the cuts have been made. This is a currently evolving situation so if you would like advice on solutions, then just contact one of our specialists directly.
For on-site applications where access to a mains water supply is not available, solutions such as the Pressurised Water Cylinder provide a practical way of supplying water directly. The right amount of water needs to reach the cutting or polishing area consistently to control dust while having the benefit of delivering a frictionless, chip-free cut with no marking.
Respiratory protection for in the stone factory and on site
While effective wet working methods are a key part of controlling exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust, respiratory protection (RPE) remains an important additional measure to eliminate any inhalation of this potentially deadly dust.
Powered respiratory systems such as the Optrel Swiss Air Respirator and Skytec Sentinel PAPR are both TH3 certified and don’t require face fit testing. They provide comfortable respiratory protection for fabricators working both in the factory and on site.
These systems are designed to support fabricators during long shifts, allowing for easy movement and communication when being worn.
Personal Protective Equipment for wet fabrication
With a rise in wet working in the factory and on site, it’s important to keep fabricators warm, comfortable and dry. Solutions such as safety goggles, aprons, armlet sleeves, gloves and boots help to provide an additional layer of protection during wet fabrication.
How Stonegate can help your factory transition
The move towards wet working is a significant change in the stone fabrication industry, but it also provides an opportunity to improve working practices, protecting fabricators and ensure processes are as efficient as possible.
We understand that every factory has different requirements. That’s why we offer a complete range of wet cutting and polishing equipment alongside respiratory and PPE solutions too, to help fabricators put the right measures in place for safer and more compliant fabrication.
Every factory will be at a different stage of its wet working journey. Whether you’re replacing individual tools or reviewing your entire fabrication process, selecting the right equipment and implementing suitable dust control measures at every stage helps to improve safety, compliance and productivity.
We can visit your factory to review your current processes and recommend any changes needed, or you can visit our Innovation Hub to test and trial wet working equipment in a live fabrication environment before making any decisions. Speak to your rep or contact our Customer Service team on +44 (0) 1482 620400 or [email protected] to book in!
Wet working is the process of supplying water directly to the point where engineered stone is cut, ground or polished to suppress respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust before it becomes airborne. By controlling dust at the source, wet working helps reduce exposure to harmful silica particles while maintaining cutting performance and surface finish. Effective wet working combines the correct water-fed tools, suitable diamond tooling, adequate water supply, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and safe cleaning procedures to create a safer fabrication environment.
Engineered stone can contain very high levels of crystalline silica. During cutting, grinding and polishing, fine respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust can be released, creating serious long-term health risks if inhaled. Wet working suppresses dust where it is generated by introducing water during fabrication, significantly reducing the amount of airborne silica dust. Following the latest HSE guidance, many stone fabricators are adopting wet working methods alongside suitable dust control measures and respiratory protection to improve workplace safety and support compliance.
Transitioning to wet working usually involves reviewing every stage of the fabrication process rather than replacing or adding a single tool. Most workshops will require a combination of wet cutting saws, wet polishers, water-fed grinders, a reliable water supply and appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Depending on your factory layout and existing machinery, additional measures such as portable water systems, water management solutions and upgraded PPE may also be required. Choosing equipment designed specifically for wet stone fabrication helps maintain productivity while improving dust control.
No. While wet working is one of the most effective ways to reduce airborne respirable crystalline silica (RCS), it should form part of a wider dust control strategy. Fabricators should also follow HSE guidance by using suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE), . Combining these measures helps create a safer working environment throughout the fabrication process.
Yes. It is possible to work wet both in the factory and on-site during kitchen worktop or stone surface installations. Portable wet cutting saws, water-fed polishers and pressurised water supply systems allow installers to carry out final trimming, polishing and adjustments while reducing airborne silica dust. Maintaining the same wet working practices on-site helps ensure consistent dust control throughout the entire fabrication and installation process, particularly where engineered stone is being modified.
