Heritage projects combine fragile substrates, priceless collections and often poor ventilation. Dust control must protect artefacts and occupants while preserving historic fabric. The priority is to prevent dust generation, contain work, and remove residues without damaging surfaces.

Containment tailored to heritage fabric

Design enclosures that avoid fixings into protected finishes. Use temporary frames and low-tack seals, and create a small vestibule for entry. Pull the enclosure slightly negative so air flows inwards, away from collections. Where you cannot vent outside, position air scrubbers to recirculate through high-efficiency filters and avoid drafts across sensitive items.

Capture at source with sympathetic methods

Use tool-mounted LEV on sanding and mortar raking. Opt for low-vibration, lower-speed techniques and water suppression only where moisture will not harm the substrate. Select extraction vacuums appropriate to the risk: M-Class for general wood and nuisance dust; H-Class and H13/H14 filtration where respirable crystalline silica or other hazardous particulates are present.

Housekeeping for delicate environments

Avoid sweeping and compressed air. Vacuum with soft-brush accessories and high-efficiency filtration, then damp microfibre where surfaces allow. Keep pathways clean, cap waste containers, and move bags on protected routes. Log filter changes and enclosure inspections as part of the conservation record.

Assurance and documentation

Establish baseline particulate levels before work. Use a PM monitor to check PM2.5/PM10 during tasks and during cleaning to confirm controls. For stone and mortar work, plan to meet the HSE WEL for RCS of 0.1 mg/m³ under COSHH. Record any exceedances and corrective actions the same day.

Practical takeaways

• Use non-invasive enclosures and keep them under slight negative pressure.
• Prefer low-speed, LEV-equipped methods; apply water only where compatible.
• Match vacuum filtration to risk; use H-Class and H13/H14 for hazardous fine dusts.
• Vacuum with soft brushes; no sweeping or compressed air.
• Monitor PM levels and keep a simple control log for the conservation file.

With careful containment, sympathetic methods and verifiable control, heritage teams can restore safely without spreading dust into galleries or damaging historic surfaces.