Retail fit-outs often run in live stores. The challenge is to keep customers safe and trading uninterrupted while interior works proceed. That means tight zoning, quiet source control, and constant housekeeping backed by simple measurement.

Partition, pressure and route planning

Create a clearly sealed work zone with a small vestibule, and plan clean routes for materials and waste. Temporary barrier systems such as ZipWall help establish boundaries fast without damaging finishes. Keep the zone under negative pressure to pull air inwards; if external venting is not possible, run recirculating air scrubbers and increase cleaning frequency.

Stop dust at source

Fit LEV to saws, chasers and sanders. Choose blades and speeds that reduce generation, and use water suppression for masonry where permitted. Keep extraction hoses short, check airflow under load, and maintain filters before store opening to avoid odour or noise issues mid-trade.

Control airborne dust and noise

Position air scrubbers to draw from the sales floor side towards the work area and prevent short-circuiting. An air scrubber such as the MAXVAC Dustblocker can support negative air in contained zones when correctly ducted. To reduce acoustic spill from the workface, site teams often deploy acoustic screening like BigBen SoundBlockers to shield customers and staff.

Housekeeping that keeps tills ringing

Prohibit sweeping. Vacuum with industrial units using high-efficiency filtration, then damp-wipe hard surfaces. Bag and seal waste inside the zone, and move it during quiet trading periods. Keep entrances and customer routes spotless with frequent touch-ups.

Measure and adapt

Use a portable particulate monitor to spot-check PM2.5/PM10 outside the zone before and during works. Investigate any spikes and adjust barriers, airflow or sequencing. Brief store teams on what to expect and who to call if dust is seen.

Practical takeaways

• Seal the work zone and maintain negative pressure.
• Use LEV on tools and choose low-dust methods and timings.
• Place air scrubbers thoughtfully; check airflow under load, not free-air.
• Vacuum and damp-wipe; no sweeping or compressed air.
• Verify with PM spot checks and adapt the same shift.

With disciplined zoning, extraction and clean-as-you-go routines, retail projects can progress while customers shop safely and staff work comfortably.