Dust & Protective Guards

About Dust & Protective Guards

Dust and protective guards are essential safety accessories for angle grinders and power cutting tools, designed to control harmful dust at source whilst protecting operators from debris. When cutting or grinding concrete, brick, stone and masonry, these specialist guards attach directly to your tool and feature integrated extraction ports that connect to vacuum cleaners or dust extractors. By enclosing the cutting area and channelling dust away through suction, they dramatically reduce airborne particles and help maintain compliance with HSE regulations regarding respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional dust guards from leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, Makita, DeWalt and Festool, with options available for disc sizes from 100mm to 230mm. The range includes basic extraction guards, cutting guides with integrated dust collection, backing pad hand shields for operator protection, and model-specific suction hoods engineered to fit particular grinder ranges for maximum effectiveness.

Applications

Dust and protective guards are essential equipment across numerous trades and applications:

• Builders and General Contractors: Cutting chases in walls, trimming brickwork and construction tasks requiring dust control
• Electricians (Sparkies): Chasing out walls for cable runs whilst minimising dust spread in occupied properties
• Stonemasons and Tilers: Cutting stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles that produce hazardous crystalline silica dust
• Plumbers: Creating channels for pipework in concrete floors and block walls during installations
• Demolition and Renovation Specialists: Managing dust when cutting through existing structures in refurbishment projects
• Shopfitters and Joiners: Maintaining clean working conditions in retail and commercial premises
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners undertaking renovation projects who want to protect their health and property

Choosing The Right Dust & Protective Guards

Tool Compatibility: First identify your angle grinder's disc size (115mm, 125mm, 180mm or 230mm) and brand. Most dust guards are manufacturer-specific—Bosch guards fit Bosch grinders, Makita guards fit Makita tools—as mounting systems and spindle dimensions vary between brands. Always check product specifications to confirm fitment with your exact model.

Extraction Connection: Ensure the guard features a standard extraction port (typically 35mm diameter) that matches your vacuum or dust extractor hose fittings. Professional M-Class or H-Class extractors provide the suction power and filtration needed for construction dust, far exceeding domestic vacuum capabilities.

Application Type: Consider whether you need a guard primarily for cutting (requiring an adjustable cutting guide for straight lines and depth control) or general grinding work. Advanced models like the Bosch GDE FC-T range include integrated cutting guides, whilst others focus purely on dust extraction.

COSHH Compliance: For professional tradespeople working with materials that generate hazardous dust, choosing extraction equipment that enables compliance with UK workplace health and safety regulations is mandatory, not optional.

Safety Information

Prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) from concrete, brick and stone can cause serious lung diseases including silicosis, COPD and lung cancer. The HSE strictly regulates exposure under COSHH regulations, requiring adequate control measures. Using a properly fitted dust guard connected to a suitable M-Class or H-Class extractor represents the most effective primary control method, far superior to relying solely on respiratory protective equipment. Always ensure guards are securely attached, extraction hoses are properly connected without leaks, and work in well-ventilated areas when possible. MyToolShed.co.uk recommends regular maintenance of both guards and extraction equipment to maintain effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a dust guard fit any brand of angle grinder?

Most dust guards are manufacturer-specific and designed to fit particular tool ranges. Bosch guards fit Bosch grinders, Makita guards fit Makita tools, as guard mounting systems and spindle dimensions vary between brands. Always check compatibility information in product specifications before purchasing.

Do I need a special vacuum cleaner for dust extraction?

Domestic vacuum cleaners typically lack the power and filtration needed for construction dust. For professional use, particularly when cutting concrete or masonry, you should use an M-Class or H-Class dust extractor that complies with HSE guidance. These specialist extractors maintain suction when filters load with fine dust and capture hazardous particles effectively.

Are dust guards legally required on building sites?

Whilst dust guards aren't specifically mandated, UK law requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances under COSHH regulations. When cutting materials generating harmful dust, you must implement adequate control measures. The HSE strongly recommends on-tool extraction as the most effective method, making dust guards effectively a legal requirement for professional tradespeople.