Not a feather duster on a long stick
Dust above eye level is fine, light and easily airborne. Knock it loose with a duster and much of it ends up on tables, shelves, merchandise and people below. The AELC method treats overhead cleaning as a contamination-control task.
The seven steps
- Identify. Inspect and photograph the area before disturbing anything. Confirm the materials, the reach class and whether any condition requires escalation.
- Capture. Use HEPA-filtered source-capture vacuuming with high-reach tools so loose dust is removed at the point of disturbance, not knocked into the room.
- Contain. Use controlled damp microfiber techniques to bind and remove remaining fine dust rather than spreading it.
- Clean. Remove adhered soil and detail each surface with a method compatible with its material and surroundings.
- Treat (optional). Where justified, apply a sanitizer or disinfectant only according to its label. Chemical treatment never replaces physical cleaning.
- Verify. Inspect visually and document results with before-and-after photos in a service report.
- Maintain. Recommend a recurring interval based on the facility so buildup does not return.
Feet on the floor whenever practical
Floor-Based Source Capture keeps the technician on the floor while a lightweight high-reach pole carries the vacuum or microfiber head to the surface. It means less setup, fewer ladders and a repeatable method any trained crew can follow.
| Reach class | What it means |
|---|---|
| Standard Reach | Floor-based work within the validated reach of the approved equipment |
| Extended Reach | Longer purpose-built floor-based systems with source capture |
| Elevated Access | Ladders, scaffolds or lifts, planned separately with trained operators and safety controls |
AELC providers do not stand on a step stool or ladder while handling a fully extended pole. Extra height is planned, not improvised.
Equipment by function, not brand
AELC specifies what equipment must do (filtration, source capture, reach and control) through three tiers: START, PRO and PRODUCTION. Providers start with equipment suited to their work and upgrade as volume grows. Equipment explained.
Stop and escalate
Red-light conditions stop work:
- Suspected asbestos or other friable hazardous building material
- Lead or other toxic particulate
- Significant or suspect mold
- Combustible or unknown industrial process dust
- Hazardous chemical residue or biohazards
- Damaged materials that could release particulate when disturbed
- Electrical, structural, internal HVAC, hood exhaust, sprinkler or fire-alarm work
Who to call for each condition.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the AELC method different from high dusting?
Traditional high dusting often moves dust with dusters or dry cloths. The AELC Source-Control Method captures dust with HEPA vacuums and damp microfiber, so it leaves the building.
Do AELC providers use ladders?
Feet on the floor whenever practical. Ladders, scaffolds and lifts are used only for work classified as Elevated Access, with a plan and trained operators.
Do AELC providers disinfect?
Cleaning comes first. Sanitizing is an optional step, using products exactly as labeled, only where it is justified.