How to control industrial and construction site dust.
Controlling and managing dust can be a big challenge for industrial construction sites and is something that can't be ignored. It's very easy for the surface to be disturbed by equipment, foot traffic, tools, and wind and very quickly cause dust particles to fill the air. Not only is dust a problem for those living in residential neighborhoods close to the job site, but more importantly a concern for the health of those working on the job site itself.
For the men and women working on industrial and construction job sites, these dust particles can be harmful especially when exposed to them on a daily basis.
Dust examples found in this environment include harmful particles of metals, silica, asbestos, and pollen as well as a number of other bacteria. It's the responsibility of each site manager to have dust control systems in place to protect the workers and residents living nearby.
Different Size Dust Particles:
Larger Particles
Any particle that is larger than 10 microns.
Visible to the human eye.
Includes hail, snow, insect debris, room dust, soot aggregates, coarse sand, gravel, dirt, and sea spray
Medium Particles
Normally gets caught by the nose, throat, and upper respiratory system before entering the system.
Includes fine ice crystals, pollen, hair, large bacteria, windblown dust, fly ash, coal dust, silt, fine sand, and small dust
Small Particles
Any particle equal to or less than 5 microns. About 1/12th the width of the average human hair.
These are harmful since they can pass into the lungs, bypassing the nose throat, and upper respiratory system.
Includes viruses, small bacteria, metallurgical fumes, soot, oil smoke, tobacco smoke, clay, and fumes
Using Water to Control Dust
When it comes to suppressing and controlling dust, water is very effective and by far the most popular method. Especially in residential or industrial areas, water is easy to source, it's inexpensive, and provides excellent results.
When deciding how often to water an entryway, roadway, or construction area to control the dust, it depends on the weather and traffic. Since water absorbs into the surface and/or evaporates over time, it's recommended to apply water at least 3-4 times per day. In high heat conditions, high wind conditions, or heavy traffic conditions, the frequency of applying water can drastically increase in order to reach the desired results.
When applying water on a construction site, it's essential to use the appropriate amount needed and avoid access watering. When overwatering the surface, you are then faced with bigger problems than just dust. The surface can become boggy or waterlogged causing equipment to lose traction, get dirty/muddy, make it unsafe to walk on, and lastly, this can cause erosion in certain applications. It's important to only put down enough water to dampen the surface and not soak it.
Dust Control Equipment
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Our products are proudly manufactured in the USA from the highest quality components and can be customized to suit your needs. We guarantee that your investment will be reliable and last.
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