Zero Quartz Silica

 

This information sheet explains what the HSE guidance covers, why the guidance was introduced, and how the pure acrylic solid surface materials that BFAB fabricate are fundamentally different from the engineered stone products to which the HSE guidance is principally directed.

 

At BFAB, we only fabricate worktops made from pure acrylic solid surface materials.

Unlike engineered stone (quartz), our worktops have zero crystalline silica content.

 

The HSE campaign announced in May 2026 is focused specifically on the risks associated with Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust generated during the cutting, grinding, polishing, and installation of engineered stone (quartz-based) worktops.

 

 

We exclusively fabricate only pure acrylic solid surface materials, sourcing our colours from a range of global brands, listed below.

 

*Based on current manufacturer technical literature and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for standard product ranges. Customers are encouraged to request the relevant SDS for specific products where confirmation of composition is required.

 

•  No crystalline silica content: Pure acrylic solid surface materials are formulated using aluminium trihydrate (ATH) as the mineral filler, not quartz or other silica-bearing minerals. On the basis of current manufacturer technical literature and SDS documentation, these products do not contain added crystalline silica.

•  No RCS exposure pathway: The fabrication of pure acrylic solid surface does not generate respirable crystalline silica dust. Silicosis, which is the primary occupational disease concern driving the HSE’s current campaign, is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica particles. That specific hazard is not present in the processing of pure acrylic solid surface materials.

•  Scope of the HSE guidance: The HSE’s May 2026 COSHH guidance sheet and associated inspection programme are directed at businesses fabricating and installing engineered stone (quartz-based) worktops. The guidance is framed around the crystalline silica hazard specific to those materials and does not apply to the fabrication of pure acrylic solid surface.

•  Inspection programme scope: The HSE’s 1,000+ workplace inspection programme commencing May/June 2026 is focused on fabricators and installers of stone worktops containing crystalline silica. Pure acrylic solid surface fabricators are not within the stated scope of that inspection campaign.

 

Although the silica-specific concerns associated with engineered quartz stone do not generally apply to pure acrylic solid surface fabrication, we continue to take all workplace health and safety responsibilities seriously. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 impose general duties in relation to hazardous substances that apply across all fabrication activities, and we maintain appropriate controls to meet those obligations.

 

•  Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and dust extraction systems used throughout fabrication

•  Appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) provided and worn by all operatives

•  Regular examination, testing and maintenance of all dust control equipment

•  COSHH assessments in place covering all materials used in our fabrication processes

•  Ongoing staff training in safe working practices and correct use of controls

The following official sources provide the primary legislative and guidance references for the matters covered in this information sheet:

 

→  HSE Press Release — No dry cutting of engineered stone (May 2026): https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/05/11/hse-says-no-dry-cutting-of-engineered-stone-ahead-of-inspection-crackdown/

→  HSE Guidance — Working with Engineered Stone: Control Silica Risk: https://www.hse.gov.uk/stonemasonry/working-engineered-stone-control-silica-risk.htm

→  HSE Guidance — Installing Stone Worktops:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/stonemasonry/installing-stone-worktops.htm

→  COSHH Regulations 2002 — legislation.gov.uk: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2677/contents/made

→  Hanex UK — Understanding Silica in Surface Materials:

https://hanexsolidsurface.co.uk/understanding-silica-in-surface-materials/