Voice of the


Improving the face of construction with effective dust extraction techniques By James Miller, General Manager at Dustcontrol UK


Awareness of the dangers of dust has steadily been on the increase in the construction industry over the past few years. But despite this increased recognition, there’s still a lot of work to be done in ensuring that everyone at site level is mindful of the need to contain dust and that they’re aware of the potential hazards of not doing so. To highlight its potential


severity, HSE statistics commissioned in 2005, attributed 500 industrial deaths in that year as being directly linked with silica dust. Those same statistics suggest that workers in the construction industry are at 2-3 times greater risk of contracting COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases) than the average person. This means then, that dust is no mere nuisance. Failing to take it seriously can have deadly consequences. So, who is most at risk


on a construction site? Well, the danger is more widespread than you might at first suspect. It’s not limited to construction techniques such as stone cutting, grinding concrete and drilling in enclosed spaces, although those are obvious sources of excessive dust and particularly hazardous to workers’ health. Comparably simple tasks such as sweeping or pouring powders can also leave


workers exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) particles, which are the primary cause of lung disease. RCS particles are tiny, and not visible to the naked eye, so even though workers might not be immersed in an obvious dust cloud, they’re still at risk once these particles are airborne. Their small size means they’re capable of reaching the alveoli in the lungs, which can be the catalyst for lung cancers to develop. Legislation exists to help combat the


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and most efficient form of dust prevention for those working in the construction industry. The basic equipment of on-tool extraction forms what’s known as a ‘local


exhaust ventilation system’ or ‘LEV’. This is fitted directly on to the tool itself and is comprised of a captor hood (also known as a shroud or suction casing), a fitted hose and a vacuum extraction unit.


But while the basic


composition is the same, extraction units do come in different classes. These classes offer varying degrees of filtration. For silica dust, the HSE recommends the use of either M (Medium) class or H (High) class extraction units. As suggested by the name, H class extraction units filter dust to a higher degree with a filter leakage of less than 0.005%, making it more effective at targeting respirable dusts with carcinogenic properties. A higher class, clearly, offers greater protection


…HSE statistics commissioned in 2005, attributed 500 industrial deaths in that year as being directly linked with silica dust…


problem. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 20022, within which Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) are set out, is the standard that construction managers need to follow to ensure they’re law abiding. The WEL requirement is split into two parts, with the first referring to


inhalable dust, which is regarded as entire dust particles that can enter the nose or mouth. The second refers to respirable dust, which are the fine dust particles previously mentioned. They offer differing limits, with the inhalable dust limit set at 10mg.m3, whereas the respirable limit is 4mg.m3. For RCS the limit is only 0.1mg.m3, which is an amount invisible to the naked eye. Advice on how to manage the problem is provided by the HSE, with CIS69


being a prime example of this. This construction information sheet outlines the necessary steps to take when it comes to on-tool dust extraction, which is the best


against RCS. Also, extraction units with primary separation by cyclone and a secondary system of cartridge filters can offer extra gains such as improving both the longevity and the efficiency of power tools as the high efficiency and consistent performance of the extractor can prevent the tools clogging up with material debris. These machines are also less likely, due to their design, to suffer a major accidental dust leakage from, as an example, an internal filter bag failure when overfilled. In addition to on-tool extractors, it’s


also possible to use ambient air cleaners with HEPA-13 filters that help to trap dust once it’s already airborne. These can either be used in conjunction with on-tool extractors as extra surety, providing even greater extraction


efficiency, or can operate as standalone units in areas where dust is a potential, rather than obvious hazard. At Dustcontrol, we strive for best practice and higher than minimum


standards, but it’s important that hire companies don’t feel like the subject is a minefield. We offer advice on the best solutions in the form of our toolbox talks, which can give you some sense of direction on which is the best avenue for you to pursue. But whether you speak with us or not, the important thing is that for the sake of your workers’ long term health you take steps to ensure dust isn’t a prolonged issue. The severity of the potential consequences of not doing so, can’t be understated. James Miller is General Manager at Dustcontrol UK. For more information visit www.dustcontroluk.co.uk or phone 01327 858001.


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