Drilling into concrete safely: dust control and PPE

Short answer: drill into concrete with an SDS rotary hammer, the right SDS bit and dust control. Prefer a hammer with dust extraction or connect a construction vacuum. Wear at least an FFP2 or FFP3 mask, eye protection and hearing protection. Always check for services before you drill.

Read this article in Dutch as well: Veilig boren in beton: stofbeheersing en PBM.

Why dust control when drilling concrete?

Concrete dust contains quartz. Breathing fine quartz dust can damage the lungs over time. On site, dust control is therefore not a luxury but part of safe work. Anyone who regularly drills into concrete, brick or sand-lime brick combines three things:

1. the right machine and bit;
2. extraction or wet methods where possible;
3. suitable PPE (breathing, eyes, hearing).

This article is for tradespeople and advanced DIYers who take dust seriously. See also our blog on safe working on the construction site and our safety tip on preventing eye injuries.

1. Machine: SDS rotary hammer, not a percussion drill

For concrete you use an SDS-plus rotary hammer. A standard percussion drill is meant for light masonry and does not spare your wrist in hard concrete. On saniso.nl you will find among others:

• the SDS-plus rotary hammer RHS26 (650 W) for lighter holes and daily fixing work;
• the SDS-plus rotary hammer RH26 (750 W) with more reserves;
• the SDS-plus rotary hammer RH36VS (950 W) for heavier work and larger diameters;
• the RHS20-18BL cordless rotary hammer as a 20V cordless option on site without a socket.

More on battery systems: our blog on the Stalco 20V battery system. On solid tools: our blog on recognising quality tools and our brand blog on Stalco.

💡 Match the machine to hole diameter and intensity. For the odd plug hole a lighter SDS is enough. For series drilling and larger holes choose more power or a heavier class.

2. The bit: SDS-plus and diameter

Use SDS-plus bits that fit your machine. Examples:

• SDS concrete drill bit set for a basic range of diameters;
• SDS-plus concrete drill bit 6.0 mm, SDS-plus concrete drill bit 8.0 mm, SDS-plus concrete drill bit 10.0 mm and SDS-plus concrete drill bit 12.0 mm for common plug sizes;
• longer bits such as long SDS-plus concrete drill bit 8.0 mm when you need more depth.

Match bit diameter to the plug or anchor; see our blog on fixing into concrete, brick and aerated concrete and our blog on cordless drill, impact drill or rotary hammer. For large holes and penetrations look at diamond or core drills (our blog on diamond drilling in tile and concrete, our blog on core drilling on a stand): that is different kit with its own dust rules.

3. Extracting dust: the heart of the job

Dust control starts at the source.

• Rotary hammer with extraction module: some kits suck at the bit. That is the cleanest option for series drilling.
• Construction vacuum, M or H class: connect a hose to an extraction aid or drill-dust adapter. Examples on saniso.nl: construction vacuum cleaner and VCP35MAC construction vacuum cleaner.
• Not by mouth or with a household vacuum: household units do not filter fine concrete dust safely.

Where possible work with a second person or a fixed set-up so the hose does not pull. Keep the area clean: dust that rises later is still inhaled.

4. PPE: breathing, eyes, hearing

Even with extraction you still wear PPE.

• Breathing: at least FFP2 dust mask; for intensive concrete dust prefer FFP3 dust mask or FFP3 dust mask. An FFP1 dust mask is too light for quartz dust.
• Eyes: a close-fitting safety goggles or impact-protection goggles. Dust and chips rebound hard from the hole. More in our blog on safety glasses for professionals.
• Hearing: rotary hammers are loud. Use earmuffs or earplugs; see our blog on hearing protection.
• Hands: work gloves with nitrile coating with grip, without loose cuffs near rotating parts. See our buying guide for work gloves.
• Feet: safety shoe on site. See our blog on choosing safety shoes.

⚠️ A dust mask only works if it fits. Beards, the wrong size or a wet filter reduce protection. Replace filters and masks as instructed.

5. Before you drill: services and structure

Never drill blind into a wall or floor.

• Find electrical, water and gas lines with a detector or drawing.
• Watch for reinforcement: a bit that hits steel jumps or overheats.
• On load-bearing parts or unknown structures: check with the site manager or engineer.

Unsure about electrics or gas? Call a qualified installer. That is not weakness; it is craftsmanship.

6. Work sequence in brief

1. Mark the hole; check for services.
2. Choose bit diameter and machine; fit extraction.
3. Put on PPE (mask, glasses, hearing).
4. Start with light pressure until the hole is guided; then drill steadily.
5. Withdraw the bit now and then so dust is cleared.
6. Vacuum the hole before you fit a plug or anchor.
7. Clear dust and debris; do not leave a cloud for the next crew.

DIY or call a professional?

A few plug holes in a concrete wall, with extraction and PPE: an experienced DIYer can manage that. Series drilling, core drilling, ceilings full of holes or work in confined spaces are another level.

👷 For large diameters, many holes, poor ventilation or when you do not know the structure, a professional with the right SDS or core-drill kit and classed extraction is the safe choice. Do not underestimate dust: what you do not see today, you may feel in years.

Quick choice

Extra tips for series drilling

On site you rarely drill a single hole. In series work dust builds up fast and bits wear sooner.

• Change bits in time: a blunt bit makes more dust, more heat and an inaccurate hole.
• Plan the order from high to low, so dust from above does not land on clean work.
• Use a depth stop or tape as a depth mark, so every hole matches the plug.
• Empty the vacuum or clean the filter between holes as instructed; a full tank sucks worse.
• Tell colleagues in the room: warn about dust and noise before you start.

For fixing with plugs and anchors the bit diameter matters: too wide and the plug will not hold, too tight and you force it. See our blog on fixing into concrete, brick and aerated concrete and our blog on cordless drill, impact drill or rotary hammer.

Frequently asked questions

May I drill concrete with a percussion drill?

For hard concrete and series drilling: preferably not. An SDS rotary hammer is built for that job and spares the tool and your wrist.

Is FFP1 enough against concrete dust?

No. For quartz dust choose at least FFP2; for intensive work FFP3.

Does spraying water help?

Wet methods dampen dust, but are not always suitable (electrics, finishes, frost). Extraction at source remains the standard on many sites.

How do I know if there is reinforcement?

With a rebar detector or by drilling carefully. If you hit steel, stop and move or use a suitable bit strategy.

Which vacuum class do I need?

For construction dust with quartz preferably M or H class, not a household vacuum.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.