Asthma is common in construction and often made worse by dust. Hardwood and softwood dusts, MDF, cement, and flour dusts in fit-outs are recognised triggers. Symptoms may escalate quickly when dust clouds form indoors, especially during sanding and sweeping.

Build asthma control into the method

• Plan tasks to avoid dry cutting and sanding. Use wet methods or on-tool extraction with the correct shroud.
• Schedule high-dust activities when fewer people are present, and isolate work zones.
• For enclosed areas, use air scrubbers or temporary negative air; H14 filtration is advisable for fine dusts.

Housekeeping that prevents flare-ups

• Ban sweeping and compressed air. Vacuum with industrial M/H-Class filtration and anti-static hoses.
• Set mid-shift cleans and remove waste in sealed bags to prevent re-release.
• Keep stores and welfare areas strictly dust-free to protect sensitive workers.

People and equipment

• Provide RPE suited to the residual risk (typically P3 for fine dusts) and ensure face-fit testing.
• Demonstrate pre-use checks: shroud seated, hose intact, filters in place, and airflow under load adequate.
• Encourage early reporting of symptoms and record triggers. For those with known asthma, agree task adjustments and emergency steps.

Quick on-site aids

• Use a simple particulate monitor to spot rising levels and change the method before symptoms escalate.
• Background filtration from a MAXVAC Dustblocker can help keep levels steadier between tasks in small refurb zones.

Good planning, extraction, H14 filtration in confined spaces, and disciplined cleaning significantly cut asthma risk. Combine these controls with competent RPE use and clear communication so that sensitive workers can work safely.