Demolition and fit-out phases are messy by nature, but dust left to spread will inflate programme time, defects, and health risk. A simple, disciplined approach built on prevention, control, and housekeeping keeps projects on track and neighbours cooperative.

Plan zones, pressure, and routes

• Divide the site into clean, transition, and dirty zones; sign and brief the routes.
• Create slight negative pressure in demolition areas using air scrubbers or negative air machines exhausting outside, subject to permissions.
• Set a single waste route, with sticky mats and bagging points inside the dirty zone.

Capture at source (prevention)

Use water suppression on breakers and floor saws where feasible. Fit shrouds and on-tool extraction to grinders and chasers, connected to suitable industrial vacuums (H-class for fine/carcinogenic dusts, with HEPA H14 final stage). Verify airflow under load and keep hose runs short. For high dust generators, consider temporary LEV hoods near the task.

Control in the air (room-level)

Deploy air scrubbers sized to the room volume and duty cycle; avoid relying on free-air figures. Seal door edges and provide make-up air to stabilise pressure. Continuous-duty units from ranges such as MAXVAC can quietly reduce background particulate between shifts.

Capture on surfaces (housekeeping)

• Ban sweeping and compressed air. Vacuum-first with high-efficiency machines; damp wipe hard surfaces afterwards.
• Use timed clean-downs during the shift, not just at the end.
• Seal and label waste; prevent overfilling skips which causes blow-off.

Monitoring, documentation, and PPE

Use a simple PM meter to verify controls and guide cleaning frequency. Record filter changes, defects, and corrective actions. Provide RPE appropriate to residual risk (e.g., FFP3 for RCS) with face-fit checks. Align with COSHH assessments and HSE EH40 limits relevant to materials present.

Practical takeaways

• Zone the site and maintain negative pressure in dirty areas.
• Use water suppression and on-tool extraction with H14 filtration for fine dusts.
• Run air scrubbers sized by room volume and under-load airflow.
• Vacuum-first housekeeping at set intervals; seal waste at source.
• Track PM trends and keep maintenance logs to prove control.

These habits reduce rework and complaints while keeping dust exposures and costs under control.