Dust escapes and stays aloft because of the energy we put into materials and the airflows we create. Cutting, grinding, blasting and sweeping fracture surfaces into a spectrum of particles; then turbulence, thermal plumes and foot traffic keep them moving. Knowing these mechanisms helps target controls that actually work on site.

Generation: creating fine particles

High-speed abrasion and impact liberate particles across PM10 to PM1. Hard, brittle materials like concrete produce respirable crystalline silica, while timber processes release larger inhalable fractions. Dry methods and worn tooling increase fines; process redesign, water suppression and slower cutting speeds reduce primary emission.

Dispersion: why dust hangs in the air

Once airborne, eddies from fans, plant and movement suspend fine particles for hours. Warm equipment and people generate thermal plumes that lift dust. Poorly directed ventilation can entrain contaminants into work zones. Sweeping and compressed air re-entrain settled dust and spike exposure.

Breaking the pathway with layered controls

1) Capture at source (prevention)

Use shrouded tools with on-tool extraction and water where feasible. Select abrasives and feeds that lower fragmentation energy. Design tasks to cut less and drill smarter.

2) Capture in the air (control)

Apply LEV, air scrubbers and negative air machines to pull contaminants away from breathing zones. Choose equipment by required duty and confirm performance under load, accounting for filter loading and pressure drops.

3) Capture on surfaces (housekeeping)

Replace sweeping with industrial vacuuming. Select multi-stage filtration; use H14 final filtration for respirable or carcinogenic dusts such as silica or asbestos. Keep seals tight and service on schedule.

Verifying effectiveness

Measure with a particulate monitor or laser particle counter to confirm that controls reduce PM levels, and keep logs to support COSHH compliance. Trend airflow (m³/h) and pressure (Pa) to plan filter changes before performance falls.

Practical takeaways

• Lower the energy of dust generation: water, shrouds, correct feeds.
• Use LEV/air scrubbers and prove airflow under load, not free-air.
• Adopt multi-stage filtration with H14 where respirable hazards exist.
• Ban sweeping and compressed air; vacuum with serviced equipment.
• Monitor PM and track pressure to anticipate maintenance.

By understanding how dust forms and moves, you can choose controls that interrupt the pathway from source to lungs, protecting people and maintaining productivity.