Shipyards and dry docks mix heavy grinding, blasting, cutting and coating removal with confined spaces and maritime weather. Dust and fume quickly accumulate in hull sections, tanks and accommodation blocks, driving exposure, clean-up time and rework unless they are actively controlled.

Capture at source

Fit on-tool extraction to grinders, sanders and needle scalers; keep shrouds intact and brushes in contact. For deck and hull prep, use vacuum-assisted blasting or immediate vacuum recovery of spent media. When cutting or drilling concrete plinths or quay structures, use shrouded tools or wet methods with prompt slurry capture to reduce respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

Control in the air

Create negative pressure in compartments with air scrubbers or negative air machines fitted with HEPA (H14 for fine particulate). Duct long runs with smooth hose and minimise bends to preserve airflow under load. Place extract points high in tanks to capture rising dust and welding fume, and provide make-up air to avoid back-drafting from adjacent spaces. Durable units from MAXVAC are often used to maintain negative air in temporary containments during coating removal.

Housekeeping that prevents re-suspension

Avoid sweeping in holds and workshops. Use H-class industrial vacuums to recover abrasive residues, paint dust and metal fines from floors, scaffold boards and cable trays. Bag and seal waste at source to prevent blow-back across the yard. Keep access routes clean to reduce tracking into accommodation areas.

People, verification and planning

Provide FFP3 or PAPR for sustained grinding and internal tank work; fit-test and check batteries/flow daily. Use a handheld PM meter to confirm clearance before hot works or handover to following trades. Factor wind and tide: position exhausts downwind and away from water intakes to avoid re-entrainment.

Practical takeaways

• Use on-tool extraction for grinding, blasting and drilling tasks.
• Run HEPA air scrubbers as negative air in compartments and tanks.
• Protect airflow under load; keep ducts short and smooth.
• Vacuum-only housekeeping; bag residues immediately.
• Fit-test RPE and verify with PM readings before handover.

Consistent application of these controls reduces exposure, speeds repainting and refit, and supports compliance in demanding marine environments.