Fire and flood restoration generates complex dust: soot and ash (often ultrafine), debris from damaged finishes, and mould spores after water ingress. Effective control protects workers, speeds reinstatement, and prevents cross-contamination in occupied areas.

Plan, assess, contain

Survey the building to identify dust and other hazards before work starts. Assume older premises may contain asbestos; stop and test if suspect materials are found. Isolate work zones with robust sheeting and seal penetrations. Establish a single access point, with tack mats and a dirty-to-clean workflow. Lock out unsafe electrics after flooding and use battery tools or 110 V where appropriate.

Control the air

Run negative pressure in the containment so dust and odour do not escape. Use an air scrubber with high-efficiency filtration (H13–H14 for fine soot and spores) and duct the exhaust to a safe location. Equipment such as the MAXVAC Dustblocker DB700 can be deployed as a negative air unit within a sealed enclosure. Verify airflow under load, not just free-air figures, and maintain a measurable pressure differential using a simple manometer.

Remove and clean safely

Start with source removal: lift and bag porous materials that cannot be salvaged. Avoid sweeping or compressed air. Use an industrial vacuum with suitable filtration for dry soot; for flood residues, choose wet methods and allow adequate dwell time for detergents. Follow with damp-wipe cleaning from high to low, then run air cleaning to capture remaining airborne particulate (PM10 to PM1).

Handle waste carefully: double-bag, label, and move through a pre-planned route. Keep doors closed and use elevator protection if relevant. Dehumidification should follow initial decontamination to avoid redistributing dry dust.

RPE, hygiene, and monitoring

Provide RPE (typically P3) with face-fit testing and train on donning/doffing. Set up handwashing and clean PPE storage outside the containment. Use a particulate monitor to check background and task peaks; simple trend data helps target controls. Keep a filter log and change prefilters before fines load the main HEPA. Record inspections as part of COSHH documentation.

Practical takeaways

• Seal the work zone and run negative pressure to prevent migration.
• Use H13–H14 air filtration for soot and mould; verify airflow under load.
• Vacuum and damp-wipe; never sweep or use compressed air.
• Stage waste removal and maintain a dirty-to-clean flow.
• Fit-test P3 RPE and monitor dust with a simple PM meter.

Done well, this approach reduces rework, protects occupants and staff, and supports compliance with COSHH principles.