HSE guidance expects dust risks to be controlled through planning, engineering, supervision, and verification—not reaction. The aim is straightforward: keep exposures below WELs and prevent dust from spreading across the site.

Plan the work around dust control

• Identify high-risk tasks (cutting, chasing, grinding, demolition) and materials (concrete, stone, wood, composites).
• Write method statements that specify controls, checks, and responsible persons. Build time for setup, maintenance, and clean-down.

Apply the three-layer framework

• Capture at source: water suppression; on-tool extraction with correctly matched shrouds; M-class minimum for silica/wood; H-class for high-hazard dusts.
• Capture in the air: use air scrubbers or negative air units with high-efficiency filtration (H13/H14 for fine respirable dusts). Portable units from manufacturers such as MAXVAC can help maintain air quality in contained spaces.
• Capture on surfaces: avoid sweeping and compressed air. Use industrial vacuums and planned clean-downs to prevent re-suspension.

Verify performance, not assumptions

• Check extraction airflow under load and seal integrity daily; do not rely on free-air numbers.
• Log filter condition and differential pressure; replace based on performance and dust loading.
• Schedule LEV thorough examination and test at least every 14 months, with regular in-house checks.
• Use a particulate monitor or personal sampling to spot-check controls on live tasks.

RPE, training, and supervision

• Issue RPE appropriate to the task (e.g., FFP3 or P3 filters) and ensure face-fit testing, maintenance, and storage.
• Brief operatives on setup, inspection, and clean-down before work starts; supervise early runs and correct drift.
• Provide health surveillance where there is a risk from substances such as RCS or wood dust.

Practical takeaways

• Build dust control into the programme—time, equipment, and people.
• Use the three-layer model to structure controls and maintenance.
• Prove effectiveness with measurements and keep records that stand up to HSE scrutiny.

When controls are planned, specified, and checked, sites stay cleaner, safer, and demonstrably compliant.