Dust Extractors, Shrouds & HEPA Vacuums

Capturing dust right at the tool keeps it out of your lungs and off the jobsite. A shroud on the grinder or drill connected to a proper dust extractor is one of the main ways to meet OSHA’s silica rule, and it’s required for lead work in homes.

• Construction
• Renovation
• Concrete & masonry

How the system works

1. Shroud: a cover around the blade, wheel or bit that surrounds the dust as it’s made.
2. Hose: the right diameter and length to keep airflow up.
3. Extractor: a vacuum with enough airflow, high-efficiency filters and a way to clean the filter while working.

A weak shop vac or a clogged filter won’t keep up, and dust escapes around the shroud.

What the silica rule requires

For many tasks in Table 1 of OSHA’s construction silica standard, the vacuum must:

• Provide the airflow the tool maker recommends (for some grinders, at least 25 cubic feet per minute per inch of wheel diameter)
• Have a filter that is 99% or more efficient
• Have a filter-cleaning mechanism (like a pulse or shake cleaner)
• Be used with a shroud or cowling made for the tool

Some tasks also need a respirator even with the vacuum. See Crystalline Silica.

HEPA filters

• A true HEPA filter captures at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size, which are among the hardest to catch.
• Lead-safe renovation in homes and child-occupied buildings under EPA’s RRP rule requires HEPA vacuums for cleanup. See Lead.
• Asbestos work requires HEPA-filtered equipment. See Asbestos.

Using and maintaining the extractor

• Check that the filter is in place and undamaged before each use.
• Use the filter-cleaning function often, and watch the airflow indicator if there is one.
• Empty bags or bins before they’re full; use bag liners and seal them closed.
• Empty outdoors or in a contained area, wearing your respirator.
• Replace filters as the maker requires, without shaking them out in the open.

Cleanup

Last updated: October 2, 2026