Retrofit work releases mixed particulate: mineral wool fibres, cellulose dust, PIR/PUR foam crumbs, EPS beads, and silica when chasing or drilling. In occupied homes and public buildings, the priority is to prevent spread and keep exposures below Workplace Exposure Limits while minimising disruption.

Plan zones and protect occupants

Schedule dusty tasks when areas are vacant. Seal off work rooms, grilles, and service penetrations; provide a defined access route and sticky mats. Use negative pressure to keep dust from migrating into occupied areas and log daily checks.

Capture at source during cutting, drilling, and removal

• Cut boards with track saws under extraction; use hot-wire cutting for EPS where appropriate and ventilated.
• Fit shrouds and industrial vacuums to drills and chasers; consider water suppression for masonry where safe.
• When removing old insulation, bag at source. For loose cellulose, use extraction with fine filtration and damp down to reduce agitation.

Control dust in the air

Deploy air scrubbers sized for the room based on under-load airflow. Arrange flow so intakes pull from the dusty zone and exhausts direct to waste or outside. Use H13/H14 filters for fine particulate and check pressure differentials with a simple gauge or smoke.

Housekeeping and waste

• Clean with H-class vacuums; avoid sweeping or blowing.
• Remove EPS beads with antistatic tools where possible to reduce static cling.
• Double-bag waste and label. Keep bins at the point of work to prevent trailing debris.
• Inspect and maintain seals, filters, and hoses; a small leak defeats the system.

RPE, welfare, and verification

Provide FFP3 or P3-filter half masks, disposable coveralls, eye protection, and glove choices suited to materials handled. Use a handheld PM meter to verify zones are clear before reopening areas to occupants. Keep brief COSHH notes for tasks generating respirable dust, especially when cutting masonry.

Practical takeaways

• Set up containment and negative pressure before demolition or cutting.
• Use tool extraction for drilling and chasing; damp down loose fills.
• Choose air scrubbers on under-load performance and filter class.
• Clean with H-class vacuums; bag waste at source.
• Protect workers with P3 RPE and verify air quality before handover.

With disciplined zoning, source capture, and good housekeeping, retrofit projects can proceed efficiently without spreading dust through occupied buildings.