Reference

Dust extractor vs shop vac is a regulatory line, not a marketing one: OSHA Table 1 specifies 25 CFM per inch of wheel and 99%-or-greater filters for grinder dust collection, and reserves the HEPA term - 99.97% at 0.3 micrometers - for housekeeping vacuums. Covers CFM vs water lift, filter certification, and the respirator pairing.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 is the construction silica standard. It sets a PEL of 50 µg/m³, allows Table 1 engineering controls as a compliance option, and requires written exposure control plans and medical surveillance when applicable. This guide covers each compliance option and respirator selection for concrete grinding and masonry work.