The construction zone is oftentimes overlooked when it comes to dust collectors due to the assumption of the air quality surrounding the construction zone. When looking at a construction zone, it is assumed that workers are consistently breathing in the fresh air surrounding them outside. However, this very assumption is what is threatening workers safety, workability, and, most importantly, health. Concrete dust and welding dust are two major players on these sites – both capable of harming and threatening any workers health.
Concrete Dust
Concrete dust is commonly known by the silica dust it contains. OSHA’s 2018 silica dust compliance requires contractors and construction sites to adopt engineering control methods to ensure workers safety from airborne silica dust exposure.
Maintaining the dust produced when cutting concrete is not an easily manageable task. The dust cleanup process historically has consisted of sweeping, wetting down, or, sometimes, allowing the dust to blow away. Each of these is an extremely dangerous practice that will result in threatening workers safety and the safety of those around the work site. Sweeping, forces the already settled dust to become active in the air, increasing the chance to inhale. The process of wetting down dust is a dangerous one because dust flies in the air behind the water truck putting those around the truck at risk of the silica dust now airborne. Finally, allowing dust to blow away from a worksite is NEVER recommended.
Connecting a hose to your dust collection system allows for a cleanup process that moves with ease and safety. Following these industry practices will help you along the way:
- Keep the dust collection hose free of debris, allowing for full capabilities
- Move the dust collection system as close as possible to the dust producing zone
- Empty dust collector systems using a super sack or bag to reduce exposure
- Avoid silica dust exposure when discharging dust, cleaning equipment, or replacing filters
For more information on OSHA’s silica dust guidelines:
Welding Dust
Hexavalent chromium, a metal found within weld dust is regulated by OSHA in hopes of protecting workers from particulate exposure. Like airborne silica dust, hexavalent chromium is a carcinogen due to its extremely small size and capabilities to travel deep in the body.
Welding on a construction site is not typically looked at as a life-threatening practice. However, portable dust collection systems should be considered when welding is occurring on a construction site. A dust collection system can capture a fair amount of the particulates produced from welding, thus protecting the workers within the welding area.
Our Line of Industrial Dust Collectors
Our line of portable dust collectors are made for any construction purpose you may think of. They range in size, capabilities, and versions. If you’re contracting a construction site right now, and have not considered using an industrial dust collector, you’re not properly considering the benefits of a dust collector for your workers and protecting them from the hazards they are exposed to.
Check out our line of portable dust collectors to protect your workers from the “what ifs,” and contact us if you need additional information on which one of our top of the line dust collectors are right for you.