Effective containment protects people, keeps neighbours on side and reduces rework. This guide focuses on building and running systems that actually control dust during renovation and fit-out.

Plan the zone

• Define dirty, transition and clean areas; agree access routes and waste paths.
• Choose a pressure strategy: usually slight negative pressure within the work zone.
• Map air from clean to dirty to extract; provide make-up air to avoid collapse of barriers.

Build barriers that seal

• Use rigid panels or reinforced sheeting for longer jobs; brace frames securely.
• Seal edges to floors, walls and soffits. Close penetrations with tape, sleeves or box-outs.
• Install doors that self-close; add tack mats at exits.

Control the air

• Extract from the dustiest point; duct outside if possible, otherwise use recirculating HEPA units.
• Select equipment by under-load airflow, not free-air numbers, and allow for filter loading.
• Use H14 filtration for fine or carcinogenic dusts (e.g., RCS). An H-class air scrubber such as a MAXVAC Dustblocker can provide continuous air cleaning.
• Verify negative pressure with a simple manometer or tissue test, and spot-check with a particulate meter.

Operate and maintain

• Entry protocol: close doors, no dry sweeping, bag waste inside the zone.
• Housekeeping: top-down vacuuming with an H-class industrial vacuum; wipe touch points.
• Maintenance: check filters, seals and ducts daily; log changes and alarms.

Three-layer control in practice

• Capture at source: LEV, shrouds, water suppression, process changes.
• Capture in the air: air scrubbers and negative air units sized for the space.
• Capture on surfaces: avoid re-agitation through proper vacuuming and scheduled cleaning.

Practical takeaways

• Plan airflow from clean to dirty and provide make-up air.
• Seal thoroughly and check pressure direction daily.
• Choose equipment on under-load performance and H14 filtration where required.
• Run a simple log for filters, alarms and cleaning to keep the system effective.

Well-planned containment limits spread, reduces neighbour complaints and shortens final clean. The payoff is safer work and smoother handovers.