Local extraction is vital, but on busy sites it rarely captures every particle. People move, tasks change, and dust escapes. Effective dust control uses three complementary layers so a miss in one does not become an exposure.

1) Capture at source

Fit tool-mounted extraction and use shrouds and guards. Optimise technique: slower cutting speeds, sharp blades, and water suppression where suitable. Check the extractor’s filter class and airflow under load; use M-Class as a minimum for mixed construction dust and H-Class for higher-risk materials.

2) Capture in the air

Airborne particulate travels beyond the task. Use air scrubbers or negative air machines to continuously filter room air, ideally positioned to pull dust-laden air away from breathing zones. For fine or carcinogenic dusts (e.g. RCS), use H14 filtration. Calculate air changes per hour (ACH) and reduce bypass leaks by closing doors and windows.

3) Capture on surfaces

Dust that settles will be re-agitated by boots, trolleys and ventilation. Avoid sweeping and compressed air. Instead, vacuum with industrial units matched to the hazard and maintain them: seal bags, check hoses, and service filters. Set a cleaning schedule aligned to the dustiest tasks, not just end-of-day.

Monitoring and behaviours

Fit-test and wear RPE appropriate to the task. Use a particulate monitor to spot spikes and confirm controls. Brief all trades: keep shrouds on, keep doors shut, and don’t disable alarms. Under COSHH and HSE EH40 (WEL for RCS 0.1 mg/m³), controls must be maintained and effective, not merely present.

Practical takeaways

• Pair LEV with room air filtration to catch what source capture misses.
• Use H14 filtration for fine or carcinogenic dusts.
• Replace sweeping with vacuum-based housekeeping.
• Measure when feasible; adjust based on PM readings and visual checks.
• Train crews so controls are used correctly all day, not just at start-up.

Extraction is essential, but resilient control comes from combining source capture, air cleaning and disciplined housekeeping, verified by monitoring.