Strip-downs release dust that normal operation keeps trapped. Old seals, worn bearings, enclosures and cable trays often harbour fine particulate, including respirable crystalline silica from previous cutting, metal fines, and general PM10/PM2.5. Poor control risks breaching COSHH duties and HSE WELs (e.g. 0.1 mg/m³ for RCS) and contaminating adjacent lines.

Plan the job to reduce release

Schedule strip-downs when occupancy is lowest and define a barriered work zone with clear entry and decontamination points. Pre-clean the exterior with an H-Class industrial vacuum before opening panels. Prepare bagging materials, wipes, and labelled waste containers. Brief the team on no sweeping and no compressed air. Assign one person to manage airflow and housekeeping.

Capture at source while you dismantle

Loosen dust with minimal force and use tool-mounted extraction where feasible. Lightly mist stubborn residues rather than soak. As covers lift, place a vacuum nozzle at the opening to intercept the first plume. Tape or cap ports as they are exposed. Bag small components immediately and close containers before moving them. Industrial units such as Supra vacuums can provide reliable on-tool and housekeeping extraction when fitted with high-efficiency filtration.

Control what gets into the air

Run a portable air scrubber or negative air machine to pull air away from workers and towards filtration. Aim for a consistent airflow under load rather than relying on free-air figures; position intake close to the work and exhaust away from clean areas or to outside where safe. For fine or carcinogenic dusts, use HEPA H14 filtration. Monitor the area with a particulate meter to spot rising trends during critical steps like bearing removal.

Housekeeping and waste

Vacuum surfaces frequently during the strip-down to prevent re-agitation. Avoid brushes and rags that smear residues. Use damp wipes for final detailing. Double-bag dry waste and seal before it leaves the zone. Check the vacuum for filter loading and purge or change bags outside the work area.

Verify before you de-zone

After reassembly and final clean, keep the air scrubber running for a settling period, then re-check airborne particulate against your baseline. If readings remain elevated, repeat local vacuuming and extend air cleaning before removing barriers.

Practical takeaways

• Pre-clean exteriors and set a controlled work zone with clear roles.
• Intercept plumes at the point of opening; cap ports as you go.
• Use H-Class vacuums and H14 where respirable dusts are likely.
• Place air scrubbers for airflow under load that moves dust away from people.
• Measure trends with a PM meter and only de-zone when levels stabilise.

With a simple plan anchored in source capture, controlled airflow and disciplined housekeeping, strip-downs can proceed without spreading contamination or risking avoidable exposure.