Dust itself is largely odourless. What you smell during cutting, sanding or demolition is usually vapour from resins, oils, solvents or burning—not the respirable particles that harm lungs. Relying on smell as a safety cue is risky: PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 can be at hazardous levels with no detectable odour.

What a smell really signals

An odour indicates contaminants are reaching your nose, meaning controls may be inadequate or bypassed. With materials like wood, you may smell natural volatiles while invisible fine dust (including RCS from some boards and mortars) is also present. Welding fume can have a metallic or ozone smell while ultra-fine particles remain unseen.

Immediate actions if you “smell dust”

Pause and review controls. Check tool shrouds, extraction hoses and filter status; reduce speed or change the process to limit generation. Add or activate room air filtration and, where possible, create negative pressure to prevent spread. Improve ventilation paths without blowing dust through occupied areas.

Verification beats senses

Use a particulate monitor or air quality meter to confirm conditions before resuming. If readings climb, increase capture at source, upgrade to H14 filtration for fine dusts, or change the method. Ensure RPE is worn and fit-tested. Remember HSE EH40 sets the WEL for RCS at 0.1 mg/m³—well below what your nose can detect.

Practical takeaways

• Smell is not a dust gauge; assume exposure until proven otherwise.
• Check and restore extraction at source before restarting work.
• Use air scrubbers/negative air to manage airborne particulate.
• Verify with a PM meter; adjust controls based on data.
• Maintain housekeeping so settled dust is not re-agitated.

Trust instruments and good practice, not odour. If you can smell the job, tighten controls and verify effectiveness before continuing.