- HEPA filters are NOT REQUIRED for industrial sweepers, as long as these two conditions are met:
- The employer complies with other applicable requirements, including the use of engineering controls to maintain silica dust exposure below the permissible exposure limit (PEL).
- The equipment is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- HEPA filters ARE RECOMMENDED for industrial sweepers. HEPA-filtered sweepers are considered to be in the same category as HEPA-filtered vacuums. The AFS notes that OSHA is expected to encourage employers purchasing new sweepers to select HEPA-filtered ones.