Short, sharp spikes in airborne particulates are common during production, and they matter because brief exceedances can still drive daily exposure and trigger complaints or alarms. Typical triggers are start-up, changeovers, material transfers, cleanup, and when controls are paused for maintenance. Use Air monitors to reveal when and where peaks occur rather than guessing.

Find the trigger, not just the number

Correlate time-stamped peaks with tasks, doors opening, forklift movements, or tool use. Note particle size: rises in PM10 suggest nuisance dust from movement; PM2.5–PM4 often points to cutting, sanding, or process vents. Walk the line during known peak windows and look for visible plumes, draughts, and poor capture at source.

Control the spike at source

Capture at source

Stabilise the process: reduce transfer drop heights, slow feed rates, damp down friable materials, and ensure tool-mounted extraction is fitted and turned on before contact. For LEV, check hoods are positioned close and seals intact; ramp extraction before the cut begins and keep it running briefly after.

Capture in the air

If peaks still break through, increase air changes where the work occurs. Air scrubbers or negative air units help intercept plumes; choose H13–H14 filtration for fine or respirable dusts such as RCS. Where practical, use a short-term negative pressure in the task zone to prevent migration. Airflow under load is what counts, so verify performance after filters begin to load. In busy areas, portable air scrubbers such as the MAXVAC Dustblocker range can help stabilise background levels.

Capture on surfaces

Prevent re-suspension by vacuuming rather than sweeping. Use M-Class or H-Class industrial vacuums with sealed disposal. Clean immediately after dust-generating tasks and before traffic resumes.

Set thresholds and respond

Define alert levels that prompt action (pause, reposition hood, reduce feed). For respirable crystalline silica, remember HSE’s WEL of 0.1 mg/m³ as a daily benchmark; spikes are a cue to verify controls and, if needed, re-measure exposure.

Practical takeaways

• Time-match peaks to tasks, movement, and door/LEV states.
• Close the gap: move hoods closer and start extraction before cutting.
• Reduce drop heights and use water suppression where suitable.
• Add or reposition air scrubbing to intercept plumes.
• Vacuum, don’t sweep; schedule cleans to avoid re-agitation.

Spikes are rarely random. With disciplined observation, targeted source control, and well-specified air filtration, you can flatten peaks and keep exposure within safe limits while maintaining throughput.