HEPA Vacuum Bags for Concrete Cutting
Where OSHA Table 1 allows dust collection, it sets the rule on the extractor: a filter of 99% or greater efficiency and a filter-cleaning mechanism. The bag keeps dust off that filter, and the wrong bag clogs it and cuts suction at the shroud.
Why HEPA Bags Matter
OSHA's silica rule (29 CFR 1926.1153) gives each task its own Table 1 control. Saws cutting concrete get water fed to the blade and no vacuum option. Grinding, drilling and chipping may use a shroud with a dust collector that has a filter of 99% or greater efficiency and a filter-cleaning mechanism. OSHA's text does not mention vacuum bags.
The two failure modes: (1) a bag that does not fit the inlet, so dust gets around it into the tank, or (2) a torn or overfull bag that breaks the seal. Either way the cartridge clogs sooner and suction at the shroud drops, and on a grinder that suction is the Table 1 control.
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 because a torn, overfull, or ill-fitting bag lets fine silica bypass the seal and load the cartridge, but the bag is not itself the HEPA element. What Table 1 checks is the extractor: a filter of 99% or greater efficiency, a filter-cleaning mechanism, and enough airflow for the shroud. Buy the genuine OEM bag for your model, replace it at 2/3 full, and keep the cartridge spec sheet on file.
Before You Buy Bags: Is the Vacuum Itself Compliant?
Bags are the consumable half of the decision. If the vacuum underneath them lacks a rated filter, a filter-cleaning mechanism, or enough airflow, no bag makes it meet Table 1. For saw cutting, Table 1 offers no vacuum route at all: handheld, walk-behind and masonry saws on concrete get water fed to the blade.
Three failure points send crews back to the supply house. A filter labeled "HEPA-style" has no rating behind it. A shop vac with no filter-cleaning mechanism does not meet the Table 1 line for grinders, drills or chipping tools. And a grinder shroud needs at least 25 cfm per inch of wheel diameter, so a 5-inch wheel needs 125 cfm.
Replacing the extractor, not just the bag?
Match the extractor to your dust source before price. A grinder shroud needs enough airflow to keep the shroud sealed; any saw cutting concrete is a wet-cut job instead. Confirm the filter efficiency on the spec sheet, since "dust extractor" alone is a marketing term.
Bosch VAC090AH, 9 gallon HEPA → DeWalt DWV010, 8 gallon HEPA →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 partCT 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.
Bosch
✓ verified partVAC090A / 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.
DeWalt
✓ verified partDWV010 (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.
Milwaukee
✓ verified partPACKOUT 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.
Makita
⚠ verify partVC4710 / 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.
Ridgid
⚠ verify partNXT 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.
Hilti
⚠ verify partVC 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.
Shop-Vac / Generic
⚠ verify partAny HEPA-rated wet/dry vac
OEM bag: Aftermarket; confirm fit for your model
HEPA filter: aftermarket HEPA cartridge
Generic bags vary in fit and filtration. The rated filter is the cartridge, so buy a bag whose listing names your model and check that it seals at the inlet.
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 bags, what Table 1 actually requires of the extractor, replacement schedules, brand-specific fit notes, and OSHA documentation tips.
Read the pillar →
Related Safety + Equipment
- Silica Dust Safety Guide — full OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 framework
- Concrete Saw Safety Checklist — pre-cut inspection + PPE
- How to Cut Concrete With an Angle Grinder — dust shroud + HEPA vacuum pairing
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.