Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Practice Test

Which materials are most likely to release silica dust when cut with a rotating blade?

1. Wood and fiberglass

2. Tile and concrete block

3. Brick and metal

4. Carpet and drywall

The correct answer is: Tile and concrete block

When considering materials that release silica dust when cut with a rotating blade, tile and concrete block are indeed the most relevant options. Silica is a natural mineral found in materials like glass, concrete, and ceramics, which includes tiles. When these materials are machined or cut, the process generates fine particles of silica dust, posing health risks when inhaled. These risks are particularly significant in the construction industry, where prolonged exposure can lead to serious conditions such as silicosis or other respiratory diseases. The other options include materials that do not typically contain significant amounts of silica. For example, wood and fiberglass generally do not release silica dust; instead, they might produce particles that can be harmful in other ways but are not related to silica. Similarly, while brick may contain silica, it is typically not cut in a manner that releases as much silica dust as tile and concrete block. Metal cutting does not produce silica dust since metals do not contain silica compounds. Lastly, carpet and drywall primarily consist of fibers and gypsum, respectively, which do not release silica dust when cut.