A tidy floor and clear air are not proof of safety. The particles that drive long-term health harm are too small to see. Fine dusts (PM2.5, PM1) and RCS settle lightly, re-aerosolise with footfall, and travel far beyond the workface.

What you can’t see still matters

Visual checks spot debris, not airborne particulate. Even after a sweep-up, a passing pallet truck can throw settled fines back into the breathing zone. Relying on appearance risks drifting above Workplace Exposure Limits without warning.

Practical ways to prove cleanliness

• Use measurement. A handheld particulate monitor gives instant PM readings; log typical background and compare during and after tasks.
• Control air, not just floors. Run an air scrubber to reduce airborne load and, where needed, create negative pressure to prevent migration.
• Housekeep with the right kit. Avoid sweeping and compressed air. Use industrial vacuums with H-class filtration and sealed bags.
• Work clean at the source. Fit shrouds and LEV to saws, grinders, and sanders so less dust ever settles.
• Segment the space. Soft barriers and tack mats reduce spread; clean from “clean” to “dirty” zones and bag waste promptly.

Checks that actually change outcomes

• After each phase, run the scrubber for a dwell period, then re-check PM. If levels rebound during movement, extend runtime or relocate the unit for better airflow.
• Inspect high-touch and horizontal surfaces (cable trays, window sills) with a light swipe, then verify with a vacuum sample rather than a “white glove” look.
• Record readings, filter changes, and incidents. Simple logs help demonstrate COSHH control and guide improvements.

Clean-looking is not clean in occupational hygiene terms. Measure, control the air, and remove dust with high-efficiency extraction so the site stays safe between tasks, not just right after a sweep.