Dust builds fastest where it is hardest to reach: overhead services, cable trays, rafters, plant skids, voids and tight corners. Left alone, it is re‑agitated by movement and ventilation, driving exposure and clean-up costs. The aim is simple: remove dust safely without creating more of it, and without putting people at risk working at height.

Plan the task and assess the risk

Identify the dust type (silica, wood, cement, general). If respirable crystalline silica is present, remember the HSE Workplace Exposure Limit is 0.1 mg/m³; plan accordingly. Decide when to work (out of hours reduces disturbance), define the zone, and isolate sensitive equipment. Choose access that minimises work at height: extension poles first, then podiums or MEWPs if needed. Brief the team on method, exclusion, and disposal points.

Select suitable vacuum and filtration

Match the hazard to the filtration. Use at least M-Class for nuisance dust; choose H-Class with H13/H14 HEPA where fine or carcinogenic dusts are possible (H14 is appropriate for respirable and high-risk dust). Ensure a proper filtration chain: pre-filter, main filter, then HEPA. Prioritise airflow under load, not free-air figures. Use antistatic hoses, sealed bags or cartridges, and check gaskets before starting. RPE (FFP3) is a back-up, not a substitute for control.

Use the right attachments for reach

Combine narrow crevice tools for gaps, soft-bristle brushes for ledges, and flexible, angle-adjustable heads for overheads. Extension systems reduce ladder use and keep operators in safe zones; for example, an articulated pole with interchangeable heads such as the MAXVAC EasyReach system can reach ducting and beams from floor level.

Method that prevents re-aerosolising

Work top-down so fallout is captured progressively. If disturbance is likely, run an air scrubber or a negative air machine to pull dust away from the work area. Keep the nozzle close to the surface, use slow, overlapping passes, and avoid sweeping or compressed air. Manage hose runs to prevent sharp bends and snagging; clear blockages promptly. Bag waste at source, seal immediately, and remove from the zone to prevent tracking.

Verification and upkeep

Do a visual check for settled dust on high ledges and behind fixtures, then spot-vac any leftovers. A simple particulate meter helps confirm the area is returning to background. Record the task under your COSHH arrangements. Maintain vacuums to schedule: change pre-filters before loading chokes airflow, inspect seals, and function-test HEPA after service.

Practical takeaways

• Plan for minimal work at height; use extension poles where possible.
• Match filtration to the risk; H-Class with H14 HEPA for fine or higher-risk dusts.
• Contain the zone and, if needed, run an air scrubber to manage airborne particles.
• Work top-down with slow passes; never sweep or use compressed air.
• Bag, seal, and remove waste immediately; keep hoses antistatic and unobstructed.
• Verify with a quick visual and, where available, a PM check; record under COSHH.

Hard-to-access does not mean hard-to-control. With the right attachments, appropriate filtration, and a tidy method, you can remove dust efficiently while protecting people, plant, and compliance.