6 Pillars of Effective Dust Suppression
Air pollution has serious health effects. According to the World Health Organization, nine out of ten people are breathing polluted air. It is responsible for the death of over seven million people annually. With this, it is paramount for businesses to implement advanced dust control systems. In this article, we’ll talk about the must-haves for a dust suppression strategy.
- Misting Cannons
Especially in construction and mining, among other industries, misting cannons are effective for dust management. They use a direct drive and electronic motors to generate atomized mists. This will saturate the source of dust, preventing it from getting blown by the wind. Cannons can throw water as far as 100 meters for exceptional coverage. Many also have wheels and an adjustable angle, making it easy to direct the water based on the source of the dust. If you need high-quality misting cannons for dust control.
- Employee Training
Effective employee training is another must-have for successful dust management strategies. While the right equipment can help, it will be useless without employee training. During the training, employees are informed about the hazards of dust. Once they know the extent of the problem, they will feel the pressure to do their part.
- Personal Protective Equipment
While PPE does not necessarily suppress dust at its source, it is important to limit the health effects. It should be mandatory to wear face masks during exposure to dusk. Respirators and goggles will also be important, depending on the nature of the work. This will provide employees with the first line of defense from the hazards of dust. Choose PPE that is comfortable to wear so that employees won’t resist.
- Material Substitution
It is also necessary for the management to carefully plan the materials it will use. If possible, look for alternatives if the current raw materials are generating a significant amount of dust that can be health hazards for those who are exposed. Look for alternatives to materials that contain silica, cadmium, and lead, among other dust particles.
- Physical Barriers
To control dust, it also helps to have physical barriers installed. One of the best would be windbreaks, including fences. This will direct the wind away from the dust. It will also help to contain dust only in a specific area, especially if the project is in a residential area. This limits the harmful effects of dust.
- Detailed Plan
Like in anything else, you need a detailed plan. It is mandatory to identify specific strategies for dust suppression. The plan should include an identification of the equipment the company will buy, the training it will provide to the workers, and even the risks associated with dust exposure.
From misting cannons to personal protective equipment, businesses should invest in the things mentioned above to implement a proactive dust management strategy. These will help to suppress dust and limit its negative effects on humans and the environment.
