Ways to Control Dust During Your Next Remedial Project
Industrial dust is a long-known nuisance in construction sites. It is a major threat to workers’ health and as such a massive compliance risk. Businesses that don’t implement effective dust suppression methods are at risk of reduced productivity and legal penalties.
Below are four practical and cost-effective dust prevention methods for industrial sites that ensure employees are safe and comply with legal regulations.
Leverage the power of misting cannons
Dust is a persistent, day-to-day problem in industrial and construction sites. Dust control in these workplaces is easy and efficient using powerful misting cannons. These machines use atomized mist technology to provide optimal dust suppression. Misting cannons leverage powerful fans, high-pressure nozzles, and modern water pumps to break water particles into a mist. The mist (50 – 200 microns) effectively captures airborne dust particles and drops them to the ground without creating a slipstream effect. For dust suppression to occur, water droplets must be similar in size to dust particles for them to collide. Otherwise, both particles will move around each other, preventing suppression from occurring. Mist from misting cannons is just the right size, ensuring enhanced dust suppression.
Surfactants + water offer an effective dust suppression solution
Dust suppression surfactants are powerful chemicals mixed with water to improve the binding power. They create a dust barrier on a surface by binding dust particles together and preventing them from kicking up when disturbed. This dust control method is effective in controlling fugitive dust. You can use it on stockpiles, roads, or open, active work areas to prevent dust from migrating when the wind blows or during a mechanical disruption.
Surface suppression (i.e Soaking)
This dust control technique uses a large amount of water to wet the dust source. As a result, dust particles become too heavy to escape into the atmosphere when disturbed. Common tools used in surface suppression are sprinklers, fire hoses, and water trucks. While this method helps control dust during industrial operations, its downsides are highly concerning. For example, oversaturating a surface with water can cause damage to the material being soaked. Use this method on waste debris and low-traffic open fields to prevent dust from becoming airborne. If you use soaking, ensure the surface you’re wetting isn’t vulnerable to oversaturation by water. Oversoaked grounds are also a slipping risk to people around your workplace. Plus, it can result in the overuse of water.
Industrial partitioning
Factories and warehouses can use industrial partitions to enclose a dust source or protect dust-sensitive materials. When installed correctly, the flexible walls act as a dust-tight seal to prevent particles from escaping to other parts of the job site. This dust control method is cost-effective because the partitions are easy to install and customize to your facility’s needs. Apart from dust prevention, you can use industrial partitions to prevent cross-contamination in a multi-storage or production site.
Every industrial site may have its unique needs for dust control. Common suppression techniques to leverage include partitioning, surface suppression, use of misting cannons and surfactants. From the above methods choose what works best for your construction business.
