Plaster dust is fine, persistent, and easily re‑agitated. In lived-in homes it can spread far beyond the workroom, risking respiratory irritation and long clean-up times. A simple plan using source capture, airflow control, and disciplined housekeeping will keep exposure low and the job professional.

Plan the space and set the airflow

Pre-plan routes, storage, and bin points. Seal doors, vents, and service penetrations with taped plastic. Create a single access point with a tack mat. Where possible, run negative pressure to the work zone so air flows into, not out of, the room. An air scrubber such as the MAXVAC DB450 can be used in recirculation for particle reduction or ducted to outside for negative air. Place it away from the dust source, drawing air across the room.

Capture at source during messy tasks

• Mixing: use low-speed mixing, pre-wet powders where appropriate, and keep the paddle submerged. Position the mixer under local extraction or outdoors.
• Sanding and rubbing down: fit tool-mounted extraction with M/H-class compatible vacuums and keep seals/brush shrouds intact. Use finer grits and lighter pressure to reduce dust generation.
• Chasing or small cuts: use water suppression where safe, or extraction shrouds connected to an industrial vacuum. Avoid dry cutting indoors.

Control dust in the air

Size air filtration for the room, aiming for frequent full-volume passes. Focus on airflow under load (with filters fitted) rather than free-air ratings. Use H13 or H14 HEPA where fine particulate is present. Position intake low on the dusty side and exhaust high towards the exit to establish directional flow. Keep doors closed to maintain pressure.

Housekeeping that prevents re‑agitation

• Avoid sweeping and compressed air. Use an H-class industrial vacuum on floors, sills, and ledges.
• Vacuum, then damp-wipe from clean to dirty areas. Change cloths frequently.
• Bag waste at source and double-bag fine dust. Remove from site daily.
• Service vacuums and filters regularly; check seals and gaskets after each day.

Personal protection and checks

Wear RPE that suits the task; FFP3 or a fit-tested half mask with P3 filter is typical for fine dust. Keep facial hair managed for a good seal. Use a simple particulate meter to spot-check that controls are working and to decide when it is safe to remove protection.

Practical takeaways

• Set the room to negative pressure and contain all openings before dusty work.
• Use tool extraction and slow techniques for mixing, sanding, and cutting.
• Run HEPA air filtration sized on under-load airflow, not brochure figures.
• Clean with H-class vacuums; never sweep plaster dust.
• Use appropriate RPE and verify results with a PM meter.

A disciplined approach keeps dust inside the work zone, reduces clean-up, and protects occupants and trades. Keep controls simple, consistent, and maintained throughout the job.