Overhead cleaning during shutdowns is a prime opportunity to remove long-neglected dust that quietly contaminates processes and falls onto work below. The aim is to capture at source, keep airborne particulate moving away from people, and prevent re-deposition when access equipment comes down.

Plan access and isolation

Lock out adjacent plant and set a barriered zone beneath the working area. Choose access that minimises disturbance: extendable poles and specialist tools reduce climbing and shaking. Long-reach systems such as EasyReach can help operators clean from the ground where suitable, cutting the need for repeated repositioning of platforms.

Capture at source on the beam

Start with vacuuming, not brushing. Use antistatic accessories to avoid smearing and resuspension. For stubborn deposits, lightly mist then vacuum. When dislodging trays or services, hold the nozzle at the release point. Pair pole tools with an industrial vacuum; units like Supra used with high-efficiency filtration support safe removal of fine dusts from overheads.

Control airborne dust with directed flow

Run air scrubbers or set temporary negative pressure so air moves from clean corridors towards the work area and through filtration. Place intakes high and near the task; exhaust away from people or to a safe discharge. Verify airflow under load and avoid relying on free-air ratings. For respirable or carcinogenic dusts, specify HEPA H14 filters.

Housekeeping before you stand down

Vacuum platforms, harnesses and tools before they descend. Wipe rails and control panels. Double-bag waste and seal it before leaving the zone. Take a quick PM reading to confirm levels have stabilised after cleaning.

Practical takeaways

• Use extendable tools to reduce disturbance and improve control.
• Vacuum at source; mist only when necessary to avoid runoff.
• Position air scrubbers for upward capture and exhaust to safe areas.
• Choose H14 filtration where fine or hazardous dusts are present.
• Decontaminate access equipment before it leaves the zone.

With focused preparation and a three-layer approach—capture at source, control in the air, and disciplined housekeeping—shutdown cleaning removes risk rather than redistributing it.