Choosing between a barrier and a tent affects dust control, programme and clean-up time. Use the option that fits the task scale, location and risk, then run it with disciplined controls.

When a barrier is better

• Large areas or long durations where trades need free movement.
• Spaces needing multiple doors, services and material flow.
• Where negative pressure and phased works are planned.

When a tent wins

• Localised tasks (coring, small repairs) in live or sensitive areas.
• Fast set-up and removal with minimal disruption.
• Maximum isolation when the surrounding space must remain clean.

Decision criteria

• Risk level: for respirable hazards (e.g., silica), favour the most contained option and H14 filtration.
• Duration and footprint: the longer and larger the job, the more a barrier pays off.
• Access needs: frequent re-entry pushes towards barriers with proper doors.
• Services and penetrations: tents struggle when many cables/pipes pass through.
• Clean-up cost: higher stakes favour tighter containment and air cleaning.

Make either option effective

• Combine capture at source with air control: LEV plus an air scrubber; a MAXVAC Dustblocker can support both approaches.
• Provide make-up air and check pressure direction daily.
• Housekeeping: H-class vacuuming; avoid sweeping and compressed air.
• Use a particulate meter to spot-check adjacent areas.

Practical takeaways

• Pick tents for short, point tasks; barriers for larger, longer projects.
• Base the choice on risk, access and clean-up implications.
• Whichever you choose, add airflow control and disciplined housekeeping.
• Verify effectiveness with simple checks and adjust as conditions change.

Match the containment method to the job, then run it consistently. The result is cleaner work, fewer complaints and faster handovers.