Floor preparation, sanding, and finishing generate fine particulate from wood, screed, adhesives, and fillers. These particles stay airborne for hours and migrate through buildings, affecting other trades and clients. A practical, three-layer approach keeps exposure low and finishes cleaner.

Understand the risk profile

Fine sanding produces PM2.5 and smaller particles that travel widely. Where concrete or cement-based products are present, respirable crystalline silica may be involved. Treat occupied buildings and sensitive finishes as high-risk, and plan controls accordingly.

Capture at source

• Use sanders with tight shrouds and on-tool extraction; ensure the pad and skirt are intact and seated flat.
• Match hose diameter and keep runs short to preserve airflow under load.
• Select abrasives that cut efficiently to reduce time-on-tool; avoid unnecessary passes.
• Score and scrape adhesive residues with extraction rather than dry grinding when feasible.

Control airborne dust

Seal doors and vents to the rest of the building and create a defined airflow path. Position an air control unit to draw air away from the operative and exhaust outside where possible. A unit such as the MAXVAC Dustblocker can provide supplementary airborne particle control between passes. Check progress visually and with a simple PM meter if available.

Housekeeping and turnarounds

• Vacuum edges, skirtings, and cable routes frequently; avoid sweeping.
• Bag and seal dust immediately; do not stage loose piles.
• Service vacuums and change filters/bags before they load up and drop performance.
• Schedule other trades to follow after full clean-down to prevent re-contamination.

Practical takeaways

• Shrouded tools plus matched extraction are non-negotiable.
• Design a simple airflow: pull dust away from the breathing zone and out of the room.
• Clean edges and cable runs often; never sweep.
• Monitor and adjust based on visible dust and PM readings.

Keeping airborne particulate low improves finish quality and supports COSHH duties. Remember the HSE WEL for respirable crystalline silica is 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA), so consistent controls matter.