Dust sheet retaining rods

A method of securing a temporary cover 40 on a flight of stairs 42, the stairs having rigid support means 52 on either side thereof, comprises providing a cover 40 and a set of compressible rods (10, fig.1), laying the cover 40 over the stairs 42, compressing each of the rods (10, fig 1), placing it on top of the cover 40, and allowing it to extend so that each of its ends (20,22, fig.1) rests against a respective one of the support means 52 thereby to secure the cover 40 in position. Each rod (10, fig.1) may include two rod sections (12, 14, fig.1) and biasing means such as a compression spring (24, fig.1) to urge the two sections apart. Flexible, plastic, or cushioned end members may be provided to engage the support means 52, which may be a stringer, a wall, or part of the support structure for the banister. The length of the rod (10, fig.1) may be adjustable to enable use with a greater range of stair widths.