Expansion projects multiply dust sources, trades, and schedules. If dust control is not designed into the works, costs rise, rework spreads, and neighbours complain. Plan early so capture at source, airflow, and housekeeping scale with each construction phase.

Map the dust before you build

• List new and temporary processes by phase: cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding, mixing, and demolition.
• Identify materials and health drivers: RCS from concrete, wood dust, welding fume, or nuisance dust.
• Define control targets against HSE WELs and your site rules. Mark zones requiring H14 filtration.

Design staged controls

• Prioritise on-tool extraction and LEV at the dust source. Use tool-matched shrouds and verify capture with simple smoke or tissue tests.
• Create airflow from dirty to clean using air scrubbers and, where needed, negative air machines to protect adjacent operations.
• Specify airflow under load and leave margin for filter loading; avoid relying on free-air numbers.
• For phased builds, modular MAXVAC solutions allow you to stage additional extraction or air scrubbers as areas open.

Sort infrastructure early

• Confirm electrical capacity, cable routes, and safe set-down areas for LEV, vacuums, and scrubbers.
• Plan duct and hose routes clear of access ways; include quick-connects for temporary drops.
• Define waste handling: bag changes, class of filters, and sealed storage. Keep spares on site.
• Manage noise and heat from equipment; rotate locations to protect occupied areas.

Commission and verify

• Baseline PM2.5/PM10 in each phase, then test again with controls operating.
• Record static pressure, hood face velocities, and filter changes. Adjust positions until readings stabilise.
• Document controls in COSHH assessments and brief all trades before they start.

Practical takeaways

• Draw a dust map by phase and material; set targets tied to HSE WELs.
• Engineer capture at source first, then airflow and containment.
• Specify under-load airflow and H14 filtration where respirable risk exists.
• Stage kit, power, routes, and spares to match programme milestones.
• Commission with monitoring and keep records to prove performance.

With dust control designed into the expansion, you protect people and productivity while keeping the programme moving. The plan should adapt as each phase opens, guided by measurement rather than guesswork.