Dust is not just nuisance debris. On construction and manufacturing sites it is a health risk, a compliance obligation under COSHH, and a productivity drain when it blinds sensors, clogs filters and reduces visibility. Particles range from visible debris to PM10, PM2.5 and down to PM1, which can penetrate deep into the lungs.

HSE EH40 sets Workplace Exposure Limits, including 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Hardwood dust carries a WEL of 3 mg/m³. Welding fume is treated as carcinogenic and must be controlled to as low as reasonably practicable. These numbers are small; air that looks “clean” can still exceed limits.

The risks and regulations

Different dusts harm different parts of the body. Inhalable dust affects the nose and throat; respirable fractions reach the alveoli and can lead to silicosis, COPD and cancer. UK dutyholders must assess and control exposure under COSHH, verify controls, and maintain equipment. OSHA standards are broadly aligned but UK readers should prioritise HSE guidance.

A three-layer framework for control

1) Capture at source (prevention)

Stop dust escaping where possible: water suppression, tool-mounted extraction, correct blades and slower cutting speeds, and process redesign to reduce abrasive energy.

2) Capture in the air (control)

Use local exhaust ventilation (LEV), negative air machines and air scrubbers to manage airborne particulate. Size units by required air changes and verify airflow under load, not free-air figures. Ensure the right filter class for the hazard.

3) Capture on surfaces (housekeeping)

Prevent re-agitation. Avoid sweeping and compressed air. Use industrial vacuums with high-efficiency multi-stage filtration, serviced and leak-tested regularly.

Filtration, performance and monitoring

Effective systems use a filtration chain: pre-filter to catch coarse debris, a main filter for fine dust, then a high-efficiency final stage. For fine or carcinogenic dust such as RCS or asbestos, specify HEPA H14 in the final stage; many site vacuums are described as M-Class or H-Class in practice. Monitor with a particulate meter or laser particle counter to evidence control and schedule maintenance, recognising that filter loading reduces m³/h and increases pressure drop (Pa). Keep records to demonstrate ongoing compliance.

Practical takeaways

• Assess materials and tasks; compare to HSE WELs and set targets.
• Fit tool extraction and use water suppression where feasible.
• Select LEV/air scrubbers for the space and verify airflow under load.
• Choose multi-stage filtration with H14 final stage for respirable hazards.
• Ban sweeping/compressed air; use industrial vacuums and service routinely.

Dust control protects people and keeps projects on programme. Apply the three layers consistently, verify performance with monitoring, and maintain equipment so it performs when filters load and conditions change.