Dust may be invisible tiny particles, but they have a huge impact on your business operations. It is a significant health risk, not only to workers but to the public as well. It can also cause air and water pollution, among other environmental problems. With this, whether indoors or outdoors, it businesses must have an effective plan for dust suppression. Keep on reading and we’ll talk about some of the must-haves.
- Use Dust Misting Cannons
Invest in equipment that will help to tackle dust right at its source. One of the best to have is dust misting cannon from companies like Bosstek. These cannons use fan-driven systems that create atomized mists to suppress dust before it gets into the air. They are also portable, making it easy to change their position depending on where there is the highest concentration of dust. They can throw water at more than 100 feet for exceptional coverage.
- Provide Personal Protective Equipment
To control dust hazards in your business activities, it is crucial to provide eye and face protection. Safety goggles are amongst the most important, which will prevent tiny dust particles from reaching the eyes and affecting the vision of the workers. Face masks and respirators are also important to prevent inhaling toxic dust, which can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer and asbestosis.
- Implement Administrative Controls
When it comes to administrative controls, one of the most important is to inform and educate the workers. By providing your people with comprehensive training programs, they will be aware of the dangers of dust and the best things they can do to minimize the risks. There should also be rules and procedures in place to reduce exposure.
- Build Physical Barriers
Especially in construction businesses, the use of barriers is another effective approach in dust management. Wind, board, and sediment fences are some of the most effective barriers that should be present. They help to contain dust in a specific area, preventing it from reaching those who are beyond the barriers. Through containment, you are limiting exposure, and hence, you are minimizing the risks.
- Change Your Materials
Another smart dust management practice is to substitute the materials that you are using with those that produce lesser dust hazards. Some of the most common sources of airborne dust include silica, lead, cadmium, wood, flour, molds, spores, and fumes, among others. If possible, consider materials and processes that do not produce dust to make the workplace safer. If the substitution of material is not possible, consider changing the procedures. For instance, wet methods are better because they generate less dust compared to dry methods.
Dust management should be a priority in your business, especially if you are in the construction, mining, and manufacturing industry, among others. From the use of dust suppression equipment to the substitution of materials and changing processes, consider our suggestions above to help you build a safer and healthier workplace.
