AbstractThis communication concerns the preliminary study of the Blanket Handling Device (BHD) of the “Next European Torus-Double Null”, and the related potentialities for protection against contamination dispersal during the handling of internal segments. Both studies have been undertaken simultaneously; as they are still under way, we present an outline of their current progress and future development. The design of the BHD takes account of multivarious dimensioning requirements (i.e. dimensions and characteristics of the segments and torus), environmental and operational constraints (safety, maintainability), which are further detailed. The preliminary mechanical studies are explained. The methods for protection against contamination dispersal during handling are presented such as containment, decontamination prior to torus opening, fixation of dust. The assumptions considered for the quantity and activity of dust existing in the torus are explained, and the subsequent phases of the study are summarized.