Once dust settles, many assume the risk has passed. In reality, foot traffic, trolleys, fans and even opening doors will re-agitate fine particles back into the breathing zone. This drives repeated exposures, contaminates finishes, and undermines compliance even when tasks are complete.

How settled dust becomes airborne

Fine fractions (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) lift easily with minor air movement. Dry sweeping or using compressed air launches clouds far beyond the workface. Materials like RCS and hardwood dust remain hazardous on floors, ledges and cable trays for days.

Housekeeping that prevents re-agitation

Replace sweeping with industrial vacuuming matched to the hazard (M-Class minimum on mixed construction dust; H-Class for higher-risk). Use appropriate HEPA filtration—H14 for fine or carcinogenic dusts—and keep tools and nozzles in good order. Bag and seal waste before transport. For smooth surfaces, damp wipe after vacuuming to pick up residues.

Design the work to reduce accumulation

Stage materials away from walkways, cap ducts and cable trays, and use temporary sheeting under cutting stations. Create clean-to-dirty traffic routes with tack mats at exits. Schedule cleaning during the shift, not only at the end, and verify with visual inspections or simple wipe tests.

Link to control and compliance

Under COSHH and HSE EH40, employers must prevent or control exposure, not just during generation but throughout the work. Air scrubbers can reduce background levels between cleans, while local exhaust ventilation captures fresh dust. Monitoring with a PM meter helps target hotspots.

Practical takeaways

• Never sweep or blow down; vacuum with suitable filtration.
• Seal waste and remove it regularly to avoid re-release.
• Protect walkways and use tack mats to minimise tracking.
• Clean during the shift and verify results, not just appearances.
• Combine housekeeping with source capture and air cleaning.

Managing settled dust is essential to prevent repeat exposures, protect finishes, and keep projects on programme with fewer snagging issues.