Refineries, terminals, and petrochemical plants generate mixed dusts from catalysts, coke handling, insulation, and fabrication. Add confined spaces and process hazards, and dust control must be robust, auditable, and compatible with site permits.

Source control around process work

During catalyst handling and vessel entries, use shrouded conveyors or glove-bag techniques with LEV close to transfer points. For cutting and grinding, specify on-tool extraction and consider wet methods where electrically safe. For insulation removal, contain the area and capture at the tool; stop and escalate if historical materials suggest asbestos.

Airborne control and zoning

Use negative pressure enclosures for blasting, coke handling, or refractory work. Size air movers to maintain directional flow into the work zone and exhaust through high-efficiency filters (H13/H14 where fine catalyst dust is expected). In potentially explosive dust zones, select equipment assessed for the area classification and follow site isolation and earthing procedures.

Housekeeping and waste

Adopt vacuum-only cleaning with suitable filtration; avoid dry sweeping on steel decks and cable trays. Bag and label waste at source; prevent cross-contamination between units. Keep filters and seals in good order—capture falls sharply with bypass leaks or loaded filters.

Monitoring, permits, and people

Use particulate monitors to verify that controls hold across shifts. Keep COSHH assessments concise: what is the dust, how is it captured, and how is performance checked? Where silica is present (e.g., refractory), remember the HSE WEL for RCS is 0.1 mg/m³; engineer controls to meet it before relying on RPE.

Practical takeaways

• LEV at transfer points; use glove-bags or shrouds for catalyst tasks.
• Negative pressure enclosures with directed, filtered exhaust.
• Vacuum-only housekeeping; maintain filters and seals diligently.
• Match equipment to area classification where combustible dust could exist.
• Monitor PM levels and document controls in work permits/COSHH.

Planned source capture, controlled airflow, and disciplined housekeeping deliver consistent dust control that fits within process safety and permit-to-work systems.