HEPA Vacuum Bags for Concrete Cutting

OSHA Table 1 silica protocol requires either wet cutting or a 99%-efficient vacuum system. The vacuum is half the equation — the HEPA bag is the other half. Wrong bag = non-compliant.

By Matt Lipman

CEO, Capstone Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: CAPS). Virginia Abrasives board member. Operator-led reviews — disclosed relationships, contractor-grade picks.

Why HEPA Bags Matter

OSHA's silica rule (29 CFR 1926.1153) requires concrete-cutting crews to use either wet cutting or a vacuum dust collection system rated to 99% efficiency. The "99% efficiency" requires both a vacuum with HEPA filtration AND HEPA-rated bags — a non-HEPA bag downstream of a HEPA filter voids the rating.

The two failure modes: (1) using a non-HEPA standard bag in a HEPA vacuum (passes-through fines), or (2) using a torn/full bag that breaks the seal. Both are common on jobsites and both invalidate the OSHA Table 1 compliance claim.

Cartridge vs. bag — know which does what

In every system below, the 99.97% HEPA filtration is the cartridge filter (Festool HF-CT, Bosch VF110H, DeWalt DWV9330, and equivalents). The fleece "filter bag" is dust containment, a pre-filter that protects the cartridge, and a seal. The bag matters for compliance because a torn, overfull, or ill-fitting bag lets fine silica bypass the seal — but the bag is not itself the HEPA element. Table 1 compliance is the whole system: HEPA-rated extractor + HEPA cartridge + a properly sealed bag + intact hose connections. Buy the genuine OEM bag for your model, replace it at 2/3 full, and keep the cartridge spec sheet on file.

Find OEM Bags by Vacuum Brand

Genuine OEM part numbers where we've confirmed them. A ✓ verified part means we confirmed the OEM part number exists — always read the spec sheet to confirm the HEPA cartridge rating for your model.

Festool

✓ verified part

CT 15 / CT 26 / CT 36 / CT 48

OEM bag: 496187 (CT 26) · 496186 (CT 36)

HEPA filter: HF-CT cartridge

Genuine Festool Selfclean fleece bags. The HEPA element is the HF-CT cartridge; the fleece bag is containment + pre-filter + seal.

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Bosch

✓ verified part

VAC090A / VAC090AH (9-gal)

OEM bag: VB090F (dry) · VB090S (wet)

HEPA filter: VF110H HEPA cartridge

VB090F is dry-use fleece — it will be damaged by wet-vac use. Use VB090S for wet recovery.

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DeWalt

✓ verified part

DWV010 (8-gal) / DWV012 (10-gal)

OEM bag: DWV9402 (fleece) · DWV9401 (paper)

HEPA filter: DWV9330 HEPA cartridge

Fleece DWV9402 lasts longer and seals better than the paper DWV9401 for concrete dust.

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Milwaukee

✓ verified part

PACKOUT wet/dry 0960-20 / 0970-20

OEM bag: 49-90-2016 (fleece)

HEPA filter: separate HEPA filter by model

Fit caveat: 49-90-2016 fits the smaller PACKOUT wet/dry vacs. The 9-gal dust extractor (0888-20) takes a different bag — confirm the part for your exact model.

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Makita

⚠ verify part

VC4710 / XCV11Z

OEM bag: Verify OEM part for your model

HEPA filter: HEPA cartridge by model

We have not independently confirmed Makita's current OEM bag part number — confirm on the spec sheet before buying.

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Ridgid

⚠ verify part

NXT Pro Series

OEM bag: Verify OEM part for your model

HEPA filter: HEPA cartridge by model

Ridgid bag part numbers vary by tank size — confirm HEPA rating and fit on the spec sheet.

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Hilti

⚠ verify part

VC 20-UL / VC 40-UL

OEM bag: Verify OEM part for your model

HEPA filter: HEPA cartridge by model

Hilti fleece bags are model-specific. If you are on a Hilti Fleet agreement, bags may be included — check before buying aftermarket.

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Shop-Vac / Generic

⚠ verify part

Any HEPA-rated wet/dry vac

OEM bag: Aftermarket — verify HEPA cert

HEPA filter: aftermarket HEPA cartridge

Generic bags often skip the HEPA layer to hit a price point. If the spec sheet does not say "HEPA / 99.97% at 0.3 micron," treat it as non-compliant for Table 1 work.

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Amazon Associate links. We earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Listings and prices change — confirm fit and HEPA rating before buying.

Start Here — Pillar Article

OSHA Table 1 HEPA Vacuum Bags — The Pro Guide

OEM vs aftermarket HEPA bag compliance, replacement schedules, brand-specific fit notes, OSHA documentation tips. The piece nobody else owns — cross-brand objectivity for the contractor worried about getting cited.

Read the pillar →

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Matt Lipman is CEO of Capstone Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: CAPS) and a board member of Virginia Abrasives. He discloses this relationship on every article that recommends a VA product.