Abrasive blasting throws particles far beyond the immediate workface. Dust often turns up in corridors, offices, and vehicles despite barriers. Understanding how particles move helps you place controls where they actually work.

Momentum and rebound drive spread

Grit rebounds at high speed, carrying fine dust with it. Particles ricochet off walls and fixtures, then continue on a turbulent wake created by the blast stream. Even when larger grit falls out, PM10, PM2.5 and smaller fractions remain airborne for long periods.

Airflow moves dust more than distance

Pressure differences pull dust through any leakage path. Open doors, unbalanced extraction, or unplanned make-up air can turn corridors into ducts. Keep dirty zones under negative pressure and maintain a clean-to-dirty airflow cascade. Shut unused openings and seal service penetrations.

Thermals and foot traffic keep dust alive

Warm equipment and lighting create thermals that lift fine particulate. Footfall transfers dust on clothing and boots, and vehicle slipstreams re-entrain settled dust. Introduce tack mats, step-off areas, and on-exit vacuuming of clothing to cut carry-out.

Practical controls that work

Use targeted local exhaust ventilation at rebound hotspots and material transfer points. Deploy air scrubbers with high-efficiency filters to pull air across the work and through the dirtiest zones; units like MAXVAC Dustblockers can help reduce airborne particulate when positioned to support the overall airflow plan. Avoid relying on free-air ratings—check performance under filter load.

Practical takeaways

• Maintain negative pressure in blast zones and close leakage paths.
• Place extraction where rebound occurs, not only at the tool.
• Position H14-filtered scrubbers to create a directed airflow path.
• Add step-off zones, tack mats, and clothing vacuum points.
• Use a particulate monitor to map hotspots and adjust controls.

Dust travels with air, heat, and people. Control those, and you control migration—often with fewer machines and better results.