Demolition can be a bit messy, or to be a little clearer, very dusty, which can create health and environmental hazards as well slow down project timelines. Particles released into the air can exacerbate respiratory problems, pollute neighboring regions and raise operational costs with cleanup or regulatory fines.
Dust control is critical to both safety and compliance on sites that have structures that they plan to demolish. Wet dust suppression is one of the most effective solutions to this problem by using water that captures the particles in place and prevents them from dispersing their hazardous loads.
This article discusses the dangers of demolition dust, key approaches to its control and benefits of deploying dust suppression equipment.
Asbestos, silica and heavy metals can all be found in demolition dust — particles which are small enough to bore into your lungs if you’re not wearing a mask. Long-term exposure to these particles is associated with serious respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis, asthma and lung cancer. It goes without saying that workers and people living in surrounding areas are exposed to higher health risks if dust particles are too small to settle and remain in the air.
It is absolutely essential that respiratory health be closely protected on demolition sites as uncompromised exposure may result in long-term and chronic disease, loss of productivity, and significant medical expenses for employers or individuals if not properly addressed.
Demolition dust doesn’t stay contained within the worksite. Wind carries this stuff and can settle in the surrounding areas contaminating either soil, water sources or local ecosystems. Other problem materials, such as asbestos or lead can add toxic chemicals into the environment causing harm to wildlife animals and plants; as well as nearby residential zones. Construction dust can poison aquatic life and contaminate drinking water.
Without the appropriate dust control or effective ways of preventing these environmental impacts, it can lead to massive clean up costs, potential fines and change the public perception about a companies environmental responsibility.
Unchecked and unvacuumed demolition dust can make an impact on project costs, ranging in numerous forms. Worker health problems with dust cause downtime, slow productivity and expose you to expensive liability claims. Furthermore, dust buildup on equipment causes it to wear faster and be maintained more frequently, costing even more money.
Dust control regulations must be followed, and failure to do so can result in fines as well as project delays. In addition, excessive dust often necessitates additional cleanup efforts which can drive up labor and equipment costs. Proper dust suppression puts less wear and tear on your equipment, ensuring that it lasts as long as possible with no unexpected costs while maintaining the budget for projects.
Wet dust suppression is one of the most effective methods for controlling demolition dust. By spraying water directly onto dust-generating activities, this method captures airborne particles, preventing them from dispersing. Specialized equipment, like misting cannons and water tanks, can target specific areas and emit fine water droplets that bind to dust, bringing it down before it spreads.
This approach reduces the health risks associated with inhaling harmful particles and minimizes dust contamination in surrounding areas. Wet dust suppression is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and widely recognized as a best practice for managing dust on demolition sites.
This is another way to help control the spread of dust while work is going on within a demolition zone. Mesh screens, transparent sheeting and other temporary enclosures help keep the dust contained to onsite operations without it traveling offsite and contaminating neighboring areas or exposing residents.
This type of barrier will normally fit well in an urban environment where buildings e.g. private and commercial outdoor areas are very close to reach. This is because they can prevent dust from spreading around popular places. They also play a major role in ensuring compliance with regulations and creating an overall cleaner, safer workspace because they control dust where it emanates from.
Dust suppression equipment reduces airborne particles, which means a cleaner working environment for workers and less exposure to dust for others. The use of this equipment also prevents the contaminants, such as inhaling silica and asbestos that trigger respiratory illness and long-term health problems by internalizing dust at or close to its source.
Few pollutants in the atmosphere create a congenial environment for workers to work without harmful gasses, salts etc., which would not be causing health hazards and sick days further ensuring enhanced productivity. Additionally, a safer work site reduces the risks of regulatory fines and liability lawsuits — benefiting both employees and your business.
Dust suppression, when applied correctly and consistently on demolition sites assists organizations in meeting required air quality and environmental standards as imposed by governmental regulatory agencies. Suppression equipment prevents dust from spreading to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, lower the potential for high fines devoruring your profits, or delays in completing a project.
Additionally, being compliant reduces liability risks by tackling public health dangers and ecological effects. By proving they are responsibly managing dust, companies not only protect their reputation but also establish trust with the local community and stakeholders, thus enhancing professional credibility.
In short, projects progress much more smoothly and efficiently with dust suppression equipment. Accumulation of dust in the machinery and work area may slow down operations while contributing to wear and tear on equipment. Dust is kept to a minimum, meaning that suppression systems reduce the frequency with which work areas need cleaning and machinery can operate at optimal capacity (for both lower cost upkeep and a more productive output).
This allows workers to complete tasks with minimal hindrance from dust-related visibility or sneezing issues, resulting in a quicker and more efficient workflow. And, in the end, this increased efficiency benefits both clients and contractors by keeping projects on time and being cost-effective.
Proper demolition dust control is a necessary measure to preserve health, lessen environmental impact and prevent work delays. Wet dust suppression and containment barriers are examples of solutions that allow for specific, effective ways to manage industrial dust.
DustQuip wet dust suppression equipment is the clear choice for all-around reliable and effective site-wide control of fugitive airborne particulates from any project. Take a look through our extensive range today!
