PPE protects the wearer, not the workplace. Relying on respirators to compensate for poor controls increases burden, costs and the chance of misuse. The hierarchy of control puts elimination, substitution and engineering first, then administrative measures, with PPE last.

Control dust before it reaches people

Start with process changes that reduce cutting, chasing or mixing. Use water suppression and on-tool extraction. Install LEV where tasks are fixed. Position air scrubbers to draw airflow from clean to dirty zones and prevent migration into welfare areas.

Keep surfaces from reloading the air

Replace sweeping with industrial vacuums using appropriate filtration. Set defined clean-down windows and separate “dirty” and “clean” equipment. Maintain filters so airflow under load remains adequate.

When PPE is still needed

For residual risk, choose respirators matched to the hazard and task duration. Ensure face-fit testing, training, seal checks and planned filter changes. Store masks clean and dry, and keep spares for damaged items. Monitor exposure to confirm PPE is supplemental, not primary control.

Connect to compliance

Under COSHH, engineering and administrative controls must come before PPE. For fine or carcinogenic dusts like RCS, use high-efficiency filtration in controls and ensure H14 where required; treat PPE as the final barrier.

Practical takeaways

• Redesign or dampen tasks to reduce dust generation at source.
• Use LEV and air scrubbers to control airborne particulate.
• Vacuum, don’t sweep; maintain filters and verify performance.
• Use respirators and masks only for residual risk, with fit testing.
• Monitor air to prove controls work so PPE remains the last defence.

Putting control ahead of PPE creates cleaner, calmer work and reduces error. PPE still matters—it should simply not carry the whole load.