Shift changeovers often create short, intense dust spikes: doors open, people move, housekeeping ramps up, and controls get switched. Treat changeover as a high-risk window and run a simple playbook to keep exposures low.

Time the purge and keep controls running

Start an air scrubber purge in dusty zones before the bell and keep LEV running through the handover. The aim is to reduce airborne particulate before doors open. Portable units such as MAXVAC Dustblockers can provide temporary air filtration in hotspots when fixed control is limited. Focus on airflow under load rather than free-air ratings, and keep filters maintained.

Protect clean zones during movement

Close non-essential doors and set the dusty area slightly negative to adjacent spaces so air flows inward. Use tack mats at exits and a designated doff area for RPE so contaminated kit does not cross thresholds. Stagger crew release by a few minutes to cut corridor congestion and turbulence.

Housekeeping sequence that avoids re-suspension

Ban dry sweeping and compressed air during changeover. Vacuum from the back of the area towards the exit with M- or H-Class units, swap waste bags early, and seal them before movement. Wipe high-touch surfaces that collect fines. If wet methods are used, allow surfaces to dry or cordon them to prevent dragging slurry across floors.

Checklist, roles, and quick verification

Give a named person the changeover role: start purge, check doors, place mats, confirm vacuums, and log any control faults. Use a particulate monitor to spot-check PM immediately before and after the change; if readings climb, extend purge or tighten door control next time. Remind the team that the HSE WEL for respirable crystalline silica is 0.1 mg/m³, so short peaks matter.

Practical takeaways

• Pre-purge dusty areas and keep LEV on through handover.
• Maintain negative pressure and control doors and routes.
• Vacuum only; avoid sweeping and compressed air.
• Stagger movement and manage an RPE doff zone.
• Spot-check PM and refine the routine after each shift.

A predictable, short routine around changeovers stabilises air quality and prevents brief but significant exposure events.