- Use an H-class (HEPA) industrial vacuum as the first choice for dust removal
- Dampen surfaces before sweeping to suppress airborne dust generation
- Wear RPE rated for the dust type present when cleaning dusty areas
- Clean up dust and debris regularly — do not allow it to accumulate
- Dispose of collected dust in sealed bags to prevent it becoming airborne again
- Include dust housekeeping methods in the site COSHH assessment
- Ensure H-class vacuums are maintained and filters changed as specified
- Brief cleaning operatives on the health risks of construction dust exposure
- Coordinate cleaning activities to minimise disruption to other site workers
- Enrol workers who regularly clean dusty environments in health surveillance
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- DON'T dry sweep construction dust with a standard broom in enclosed areas
- DON'T use compressed air to blow dust off surfaces, clothing, or equipment
- DON'T use a standard domestic or workshop vacuum — only H-class is adequate
- DON'T empty vacuum bags or dust containers in windy or enclosed conditions
- DON'T allow dust to accumulate on horizontal surfaces, ledges, and equipment
- DON'T carry out sweeping without RPE in areas with silica-containing materials
- DON'T sweep near other workers without warning them and allowing them to move
- DON'T ignore dust — even if you cannot see particles, respirable dust is present
- DON'T dispose of silica-containing dust with general waste without containment
- DON'T assume housekeeping is low-risk — it can generate the highest dust exposures
See also: Construction Dust Awareness | Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)
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