Dry sweeping simply lifts settled dust back into the air. On construction sites that means respirable fractions (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) are re-suspended, increasing exposure and spreading contamination. Under COSHH, you must prevent or adequately control dust; brooms rarely achieve that.

What sweeping does to air quality

A broom creates turbulence that keeps fine particles airborne. Even if the floor looks clean, the air can hold enough respirable crystalline silica (RCS) to challenge the HSE WEL of 0.1 mg/m³. Compressed air is worse, propelling dust into voids and adjacent areas.

What to do instead

Vacuum, don’t sweep

Use an industrial vacuum matched to the hazard: M-Class as the baseline for silica and wood, H-Class for higher-risk dusts. Fit antistatic hoses and sealed bags. Work methodically: top-down, then floors, then edges. Empty bags before they are overfull and seal immediately.

Control the air

During active works, run an air scrubber or negative air machine to capture what escapes source control. Position for a one-way airflow path and avoid recirculating dusty air back at the task. Where fine or carcinogenic dusts are present, use a HEPA H14 final stage.

Moisture-assisted housekeeping

For residues, damp-wipe with disposable cloths and use a light mist on stubborn areas. Avoid soaking—wet slurry can dry into a secondary dust hazard if not removed.

Set rules that stick

Ban brooms for fine dust tasks in your RAMS and toolbox talks. Keep a vacuum at the point of use so the right behaviour is the easy choice. Many UK refurbishment teams pair H-Class vacuums with background filtration; for example, MAXVAC Dustblocker units are often used to maintain cleaner air during fit-outs.

Practical takeaways

• Replace sweeping with M/H-Class vacuuming and damp-wiping.
• Use air scrubbers to manage residual airborne dust.
• Seal and bag waste at source; do not carry open trays or buckets.
• Write “no sweeping” into site rules and supply the right kit at workface.

Swap the broom for proper extraction and cleaning, and you cut exposure, complaints, and rework in one move.