Five Dust Control Tips for Construction Sites

 Nearly all building site managers appreciate the growing importance of dust control measures these days. Both contractors and clients are increasingly aware of the importance of the construction industry's environmental responsibilities in relation to climate change. This means that you must take steps to ensure that water sources are clean and safe.

It also means protecting people and buildings nearby from particles. This basically means that dust control measures must be in place to stop dust from spreading.

Dust control is a responsibility that all construction companies must take seriously. Too much dust borne contamination by small particles of dust can lead to banning orders from local authorities in many parts of the West. This could cause significant delays to the project. Dust control is also important for the industry's reputation. It is trying to be a good neighbour when ongoing works are underway.

Dust control measures are being used on construction sites to protect the air quality in all types of environments. What can your construction company do to ensure that its dust control measures meet the highest industry standards?

Set Up Physical Barriers

In most cases, it is unlikely that you can completely seal off your construction site from outside. Dust control measures that create a physical barrier to dust do not have to be complete, particularly if the site is not located in close proximity of any other occupied buildings. However, dust control measures such as boarding and fencing can play a significant role in keeping dust from entering the environment.

It is a good idea to consider the physical barrier as one that stops wind from picking up dust. This type of dust control is not intended to stop airborne particles being whipped up, but rather to keep them from escaping. Your fencing and other barriers should be placed in stages, not around the perimeter. Any barrier can be used to prevent wind from blowing dust around a site. This includes temporary walls and bales of straw. Even temporary offices and parked construction vehicles can play a role in keeping wind from blowing too hard.

2. Water Droplet Dust Control Systems

No matter how you try to control airflow, dust can still get caught up and swirled about. It is important to stop dust from getting out of the site. Dust control cannons that create fine mist can be used to help. As you may already know, Boss Attachment is an expert in its field with such dust control systems. These systems are portable and can be placed wherever you need them. They are ideal for outdoor use as they will stop dust from getting to nearby buildings. Some can also be used inside, where concrete or stone cutting might be taking place. This will trap dust at its source.

Water droplet dust control systems can be very cost-effective and provide a flexible method to keep airborne particles out of the air. They can be set up in accordance with the wind direction or placed where they are most needed. Boss Attachment's dust control products are very energy-efficient, so they can be run continuously without any worries. Equally, this sort of dust control measure is not noisy to run when you invest in superior technology.

3. Use Chlorides to Improve Dust Control

Calcium chloride has been used for its dust control properties for many years. Chlorides can absorb water vapour from the environment because they are hygroscopic. This means that chlorides can attract water to areas on your site that would otherwise dry out and become dry. Site managers who are serious about dust control will know that chlorides should be spread on unpaved roads, where construction vehicles pass by every day.

Chlorides can be placed on tracks at a building site to reduce dust. However, the tracks are not completely ineffective against dust being created and thrown into the atmosphere as caterpillar tracks and tyres pass over them. They can reduce the dust generated by this type of activity at a site. They are only useful when there is not enough moisture to allow them to function effectively.

4. Tailored Dust Control Measures: How Important Are They?

Standard dust control measures can be used, but bespoke systems should always be considered for each site. Tailored dust control measures are often the best option, especially when large projects are in progress, like those on civil engineering construction sites. Because no two sites are the same, and therefore have different requirements, tailored dust control measures are the best way forward. Boss Attachment may also offer standard dust control measures, but it is important to remember that each site is unique and has been thoroughly researched to determine the best approach.

Boss Attachment is the only company that can create custom-made dust control systems. If you are currently violating your site's conditions, our consultants can help you establish better dust control measures. We can also help you prepare a proposal for sensitive sites that will show your firm's commitment in controlling dust. This could help you win the contract.

5. Sweeping and Cleaning Equipment

Even with the best efforts of the construction industry, no dust control solutions can deal with the amount of airborne particles that a busy building site generates. It is necessary to invest in equipment to remove the dust. Although manual sweeping is more efficient than you might believe, automated systems are often needed to make an impact in dusty areas. There are many different sizes of pavement and road sweeping vehicles that you can use to keep your infrastructure clean overnight.

Furthermore, site managers should also note the importance of wash down facilities for demucking vehicles before they move on from your site and onto the open road. Wheel washing facilities are particularly important because any mud transferred from a site to the road can dry quickly and become dust as more road users pass it. When it comes to wheel washing as a part of your overall dust control strategy, Boss Attachment can be of assistance, too.

In Summary

There are many ways to control dust on a construction site. A combination of different methods is often the best way to control dust. Boss Attachment's technical specialists can help you improve your ability to manage dust. Please don't hesitate calling us to discuss this matter.