Dust in body shops is both a health hazard and a quality issue. Filler and paint sanding generates fine particulate that ruins finishes and exposes staff. A practical, layered approach prevents defects and keeps exposures low.

Capture at source on every tool

Use vacuum-ready sanders with perforated pads and discs, connected with short hoses to extraction. Keep shrouds intact and replace damaged seals. Select appropriate grit and avoid excessive pressure—let the abrasive do the work to minimise dust. For benches, fit downdraft tables or backdraft panels to pull dust away from breathing zones.

Control airflow in prep and paint areas

Separate prep from paint with curtains or partitions and keep doors shut. Maintain designed airflow in booths and prep bays; confirm performance under load, not just at idle. Where mobile sanding occurs, supplement with an air scrubber using high-efficiency filtration to reduce background particulate before panels enter paint.

Housekeeping that supports finish quality

Ban sweeping and compressed air blow-downs. Use antistatic, HEPA-filtered industrial vacuums on floors, stands and vehicle crevices. Tack cloths can assist just before paint, but they do not replace vacuuming. Empty bags before they are full and keep hoses clean to maintain suction.

Waste, PPE and habits

Bag dust and spent abrasives immediately and remove from the paint zone. Provide suitable RPE for sanding tasks and store it clean. Keep bays uncluttered; fewer snag points mean fewer dust traps.

Practical takeaways

• Connect every sander to working extraction with sound seals.
• Use downdraft/backdraft capture at benches and spot-sanding.
• Verify bay airflow under load and supplement with HEPA air scrubbing.
• Vacuum-only housekeeping; avoid compressed air and sweeping.
• Bag waste promptly and keep PPE clean and available.

Consistent source capture, controlled airflow and disciplined cleaning pay back immediately in fewer reworks, cleaner finishes and healthier staff.