Respirators protect the wearer, but they do not stop dust from spreading across the job. Without air control, exposure spikes occur when masks are adjusted, removed or poorly sealed, and dust settles only to be re-agitated later. The fix is a layered approach.

Why masks alone fall short

Tight fitting masks leak if the seal is disturbed, and users often remove them for breaks, communication or comfort. Dust then migrates to adjacent areas, contaminates surfaces and remains a hazard for others.

Three-layer control that works

Capture at source: use water suppression, tool shrouds and LEV to stop dust escaping. Capture in the air: deploy air scrubbers or negative air where dust is persistent, positioning units to drive airflow across the workface and out of the breathing zone. Capture on surfaces: vacuum, do not sweep, and schedule housekeeping during and after dusty tasks.

Equipment choices that support RPE

Well sized air cleaners reduce background dust so respirators are a last line, not the only line. A practical example is using MAXVAC Dustblockers to continuously remove airborne particulate in occupied areas, while ensuring respirators are worn for direct exposure tasks.

Set-up and verification

Confirm airflow paths and keep doors closed to maintain negative pressure where needed. Use H-class vacuums with high efficiency filtration for clean-up to prevent re-release. Check performance with a simple particulate monitor and adjust positions until readings drop and stay stable.

Practical takeaways

• Do the task with source capture first, then manage the room air, then clean surfaces.
• Place air scrubbers to pull dust away from workers and out of the space.
• Use H-class vacuums, never dry sweeping or compressed air.
• Measure particulate occasionally to confirm the plan is working.
• Keep respirators on for direct exposure tasks and removal only in clean zones.

RPE is essential, but it succeeds when the environment is controlled. Combine engineering, air cleaning and disciplined housekeeping so masks handle the last few percent of risk, not the entire load.