Surface dust seems harmless until movement sends it airborne again. Every footstep, trolley wheel and draught can lift fine particulate, exposing workers and contaminating work. Treating surfaces as part of your dust management plan closes this gap.

Break the re-agitation cycle

Position cutting and grinding stations on sacrificial sheeting and vacuum at source. Isolate high-dust tasks and keep doors closed to limit air currents. Protect horizontal surfaces—ledges, duct tops, cable trays—where fine dust accumulates unnoticed.

Clean without creating clouds

Ban sweeping and compressed air. Use industrial vacuums with suitable filtration (M-Class minimum; H-Class and H14 where fine or carcinogenic dusts are present). Choose the right nozzles: brush heads for smooth floors, crevice tools for edges, and powered brushes where loads are heavy. Bag directly from the machine and seal before carrying.

Control movement and tracking

Plan traffic routes to keep clean and dirty flows separate. Fit tack mats at transitions and rotate them frequently. Store debris in sealed containers close to the workface to cut travel distance. Avoid trailing hoses that stir up deposits; suspend where possible.

Monitor and maintain

Set cleaning intervals tied to production, not the clock. Use quick checks—wipe tests, torch-at-angle inspections, or a portable PM meter—to decide when to clean. Keep vacuums serviced so airflow under load stays high; replace pre-filters before they choke.

Practical takeaways

• Treat surfaces as sources—control them like the task.
• Vacuum, don’t sweep; match filtration to the hazard.
• Separate clean/dirty routes and use tack mats.
• Seal waste and minimise transport distance.
• Inspect and clean during shifts; verify with simple checks.

By controlling surface dust and re-agitation, you protect health, avoid defects, and keep air scrubbers and LEV working effectively rather than constantly chasing avoidable background loads.