Construction dust is both a nuisance and a potential health risk that all builders need to give some serious consideration to before starting a project.
Over 500 builders, particularly those in the construction industry, die each year from site dust related illnesses – namely lung cancer as a result of inhaled silica dust.
Using tools like saws with concrete slabs or paving, sanding wood, pressure blasting and internal demolition work can whip up a sometimes invisible storm of dust particles that if inhaled over a prolonged period can lead to lung diseases and cancer.
There are of course a number of things a builder can do to negate the issue of construction dust before any damage is done.
1. Work planning
The main cause of construction dust is cutting and sanding materials during a project, so planning ahead can help you predict when these dust clouds may occur, or help negate the cutting of materials altogether.
For example, cutting flags isn’t always needed and putting channels at the natural edges of the flags will do the job.
Also, using block splitters instead of abrasive cutting tools is a good effective alternative that alleviate less dust from the cutting surface.
2. Stopping construction dust
If material cutting is required, the next best step is to simply stop the dust. The most common dust-cutting methods include on-device extractions that instantly and automatically remove any dust and airborne fibres that a tool creates, or simply adding water to the material being cut to help clamp down the dust particles.
3. Wearing construction masks
Safety over style everyone. Use a proper construction mask if you are working in a dusty environment to ensure the air your workers are breathing is filtered from the particles of dust on site.
There are even simple white nose and moth guards that will do the trick on smaller less dusty builds – just make sure they are fitted correctly to ensure the best protection.
Working with construction dust? Have a look at our range of protective masks here.