Dust is produced not only in large companies but also in smaller ones. In other words, any business in the manufacturing or construction space is bound to generate dust.  This is because such spaces are often involved in the cutting, drilling, or grinding of materials such as brick, concrete, and stone with contain silica. Once this compound is disturbed, it produces silica dust, which when inhaled can cause serious health issues, but, with the right BossTek control measures, you can prevent this. Therefore, it is important to implement effective dust control measures to protect the workers and the business as a whole. In this post, we will discuss some of these measures.

Dust control: What is it?

Dust control is a technique or series of techniques applied to reduce or eliminate the levels of dust generated by dust-producing activities. These techniques can involve the use of different methods such as implementing work practices that minimize dust generation, using specialized equipment, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers. These techniques are designed to protect employees from exposure to harmful particles and to prevent the hazardous effects of dust.

Effective dust control measures

There are several dust control measures that you can apply in your business to comply with the regulatory standard and protect your workers. Some of these include:

Use appropriate equipment

To control dust effectively, it is important to ensure you are using the right equipment for the job. Using the wrong equipment may not give you the desired results. If for example, you are using a simple machine to drill or cut through silica materials, then ensure you have the right equipment in place to capture the dust from the source. For this, you can opt to use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system. This system is designed to capture dust at the source and remove it from the air. It consists of a nozzle or hood that is placed near the source of dust. It is then connected to an exhaust system or fan that removes the dust from the air.

In the case where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being used, ensure that your workers have fitting gear such as facemasks and goggles. This will ensure they do not inhale stray dust particles. However, measures such as PPE should be used as a last resort and in conjunction with other control measures.

Housekeeping

Regular housekeeping practices can help to reduce the levels of dust that build up in the workplace. Some of these practices include regular cleaning, wet cleaning, and vacuuming. Regular cleaning of equipment, floors, and work surfaces will help prevent dust from accumulating. Using wet methods such as wiping will help reduce the amount of dust that becomes airborne keeping it contained. Using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters on the other hand will help capture dust and prevent it from escaping into the air.

Train workers

For your control measures to be effective, you will need to train your workers on the hazards of silica dust exposure and the importance of implementing control measures. You should train them on how to operate equipment to limit dust generation and prevent accidents and injuries. In addition, you should train them on how to properly wear, use, clean, and store their PPE.

Monitor air quality

In the long term, you want to ensure that your dust control measures are working. The best way to do this is to regularly monitor the air quality in the workplace. You can use monitors to detect the concentration and levels of dust particles in the air. This way, you’ll be able to identify areas that need more attention and implement improvements to attain your desired results.

Silica dust is a serious health hazard that can lead to lung cancer, silicosis, and other respiratory diseases. To protect workers and comply with regulatory requirements, small businesses must implement effective dust control measures. Implementing these and other measures can help small businesses create a safe and healthier workplace for workers.