Concrete & Silica Dust
The best way to contain and remove silica dust is at the source. Whether from cutting, grinding, crushing or drilling, capturing the dust before it’s released into the air greatly reduces the risk of silica dust exposure. However, not any vacuum can be used. In order to effectively collect crystalline silica dust, the vacuum needs to be equipped with a HEPA filter. A true HEPA filter can trap 99.97% of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns (0.001 mm, or about 0.000039 in.). A HEPA filter silica dust vacuum is the perfect solution for silica dust removal.
For smaller jobs (for example, those that use handheld masonry saws, grinders, and rotary hammers), the best way to collect silica dust at the source is by using a vacuum-assisted power tool. This system allows the silica dust to be safely collected while the operator simultaneously performs the task at hand. Utilizing a portable HEPA concrete vacuum, like the Vactagon line of industrial vacuum’s equipped with a HEPA-filter and the right attachment; your power tool’s natural motion will feed most of the silica dust directly into the vacuum. A HEPA vacuum for concrete dust can safely defend against toxic airborne silica dust particles.
*The utilization of an inline drum filler or Cyclone separator may be suggested depending on the application the vacuum will be used in. Please contact us for further details or if you have any questions.
Silica Dust Control - Your Resource for OSHA Compliance
To better control this deadly dust, OSHA has updated its crystalline silica exposure limit. Unsurprisingly, compliance with the new standard is considerably more difficult.