Voice of the Controlling the Risk:


The dangers of dust By James Miller, General Manager at Dustcontrol UK


In response to the health hazards posed by dust in the workplace, we are launching our ‘Dust Doctors’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness and educate business as to the health problems that can be caused by exposure to excessive dust. The nature of the work involved in the construction industry, and the types of


tools used in common processes such as crushing, grinding, scabbling and blasting, means that there is a high-risk of exposure to potentially dangerous dust particles, as well as migration and settlement. And in environments where there is an excessive build-up of dust – often caused by poorly maintained, installed or malfunctioning extraction systems – employees are at risk of developing long-term and potentially life-threating illnesses. Airborne dusts are the primary cause of respiratory-related illnesses in the


construction industry, causing everything from asthma to bronchitis and lung cancers. The dangers of dust, and its potential to be a health hazard, makes construction a high-risk industry. For instance, construction workers are at far greater risk of contracting dust-related illnesses than their counterparts in other industries, with their chances of developing Chronic Obtrusive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) almost threefold the average. This is a view supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which ranks dust-related illnesses amongst the UK’s biggest hazards, and major killers, when it comes to occupational health. The biggest health concern however regards Silica. Silica is a natural substance that is present, to varying degrees, in the majority of raw materials used in the industry,


such as brick, tiles, sand, cement and clay. On its own, its presence isn’t much of a problem. But these materials generate dust, especially during common


construction processes such as cutting, drilling, sanding and grinding. When the materials are treated, the dust becomes airborne. And some of these particles are fine enough to make their way deep into workers’ lungs if inhaled. The fine dust is called Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) or, more commonly, silica or silica dust. It is particularly


hazardous to workers, especially so if such invasive techniques are taking place in enclosed spaces. This is a view supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which estimates that there are around 500


Silica-related deaths in the UK every year. The risks posed by silica are not just limited to specific job roles or niche on- site activities, even simple tasks, such as dry sweeping and disposing of cement bags, can send silica particles into the air. The best way to control and manage the risk posed by dust is to be proactive when it comes to extraction. On-tool extraction is proven to be the most effective method when it comes to stemming the flow of migration and


settlement, as extracting at the source limits the chance of dust particles escaping into the atmosphere. Extraction units are defined by class. In regards to silica, the HSE recommends the use of a Medium (M) class or


High (H) class. The H class units offer the highest degree of filtration –with a filter leakage of less than 0.005% – making it the most effective option in targeting respirable dusts with carcinogenic properties. The use of an H class system not only offers greater


protection against RCS, but those specifically developed for the construction industry, such as those with primary separation by cyclone and cartridge filters, can help prevent tools clogging up


and provide more consistent performance. These machines are also less likely, due to their higher specification of containment, to suffer major accidental dust leakage. We have seen a surge in interest in dust extraction over the last year, with a variety of companies in various


sectors seeking our expertise in controlling and managing dust extraction. At Dustcontrol UK we pride ourselves on the high-standards of our products and the professionalism of our


services. Our ‘Dust Doctors’ campaign focuses on two simple things when it comes to dust: education and control. There are some businesses that are unsure as to what they should be doing and what equipment they should


be using, and some may not even be aware they have an issue. Our free dust assessments are designed to help educate businesses on the necessary steps they need to be taking regarding dust extraction. The aim is to improve working conditions, remove potential health hazards and encourage what we call “Healthy Business”. Our ‘Dust Doctors’ assessments are free for businesses that sign up. After registering, we will send out a


member of the Dustcontrol UK team to visit and assess the business’ factory, premises or site. After thorough inspection, we will provide a recommendation on any dust extraction equipment required. We offer solutions that can incorporate either cyclone-based mobile extraction equipment or permanent


central vacuum systems. We will take a measured and tailored approach that ensures the business’ specific requirements are accommodated. We’ve been manufacturing and supplying our own equipment for more than 40 years, and we can provide flexible solutions that fit the business’ needs. Those interested in signing up for a free assessment should visit: www.dustdoctors.co.uk T: 01327 858001 E: sales@dustcontrol.co.uk W: www.dustcontroluk.co.uk


telephone 01444 440188 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE 3


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