5 Sources of Dust Businesses Must Address

Dust may be tiny, but it is a big problem in many businesses. From manufacturing facilities to construction sites, dust is ever-present in many industries. Without a proper approach to dust suppression, health and environmental hazards will be apparent. Businesses must be proactive in identifying the source and in minimizing its negative impacts. That said, this article will talk about some of the most common sources of dust that can confront the daily operations of businesses.

  1.  Welding

Welding operations can generate dust. Metal dust is a common by-product of metal-arc welding. It is .0001 in size, making it almost invisible to the naked eye. In high concentrations, however, welding dust can be visible in the form of smoke or fumes. Hazardous fumes during welding processes contribute to several health problems, such as eye and throat irritation, kidney damage, stomach ulcer, and lung cancer, among others. Extensive poisoning can also happen, especially if the materials being welded contain lead oxide and manganese oxide, among other toxic components.

2.  Woodworking

When working with wood, wood dust is produced, and this can be a potential health hazard. This will result from activities like sanding and sawing, among others that disturb the material. When dust becomes airborne as a result of woodworking, it can be a cause of allergic respiratory symptoms, and even cancer. A good solution is to substitute the type of wood used to one that is less hazardous. Using protecting equipment and having proper cleaning methods will also help to lessen the risks.

3.  Blasting

Especially in construction, blasting is one of the most common activities that will generate dust. It uses explosives and similar methods to break a solid body. The explosion will create not only a loud noise but will also generate a lot of dust. One of the best practices is to install physical barriers to contain dust. Those who are executing the blasting procedure must also be wearing proper equipment to manage health hazards that can confront them.

4.  Transporting

Transporting materials from one point to another and other movements of vehicles can also contribute to dust. Especially in construction, mining, and quarrying sites, frequent vehicle movement will disrupt the ground and this will generate dust. One of the best solutions is to minimize the movement to also minimize the dust. Compacting the ground and using water to saturate the surface can also be a promising solution.

5.  Crushing

Crushing is a common process in construction sites and other businesses wherein there is a need to reduce the size of a material, such as in junkyards. This process is prone to creating respirable silica crystalline dust, and like in the other processes mentioned above, can be a serious health risk. Inhalation of these particles can cause irreversible lung damage, among other health problems.

From welding to crushing, several business activities will generate dust. In many instances, the dust produced by these procedures can be health hazards. It is crucial to invest in the best dust control solutions, such as what Bosstek can provide. With the right innovations, it will be easier to manage the effects of dust on humans and the environment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *