Implementing Effective Dust Control
We are all familiar with the hierarchy of control , and understand that our first questions should be around the methodology ; is there a different way – a safer way – to achieve the same result ? If the risk cannot be eliminated completely , and substitutes are not viable , then we are looking for an engineering control that reduces the risk .
The Health and Safety Executive ( HSE 19 / 20 ) states that 13,000 deaths each year are estimated to be linked to past exposure at work , primarily to chemicals or dust .
Not all engineering controls are the same ; some are more effective than others , and this is down to methodology . RVT recommend following the 3C ’ s methodology ; capture , contain , control :
1 . Capture the hazard - Position the dust extraction hood as close as possible to the activity to ensure the dust is captured at source .
2 . Contain the hazard - The immediate work area should be contained as much as possible to prevent dust / fume migrating and affecting other workers on site or people nearby .
3 . Control the hazard - Negative pressure can be applied to prevent dust migration outside of the work area .
What is positive and negative air pressure ?
Positive : This principle is used to prevent the spread of hazardous dust , fumes or gases from work areas into sensitive environments . A fan with suitable filtration is set up outside the room to force filtered air in . With a positive ( higher ) air pressure within the room , air will flow out and prevent dust and dirt from migrating into the room . This is used for a number of settings , such as computer server rooms and operating theatres .
Negative : This is used to control dust and fume , to prevent these escaping from a work environment . An extraction system removes air faster than it is replaced to create a slight vacuum in the room . As a result , the air from outside rushes in ( via access points ) to balance the air pressure in the room . This prevents hazardous dust , fumes and gases from escaping through doors and windows .
How can RVT help ?
RVT are a specialist hire company , providing solutions for dust , fume and noise control . We offer a specialist dust control range called ‘ Dustex ®’ and this includes ; water mist cannons , dust extraction units , vacuums , on-tool extraction , HEPA filtration units , mobile LEV units , centralised vacuum systems , dust containment solutions and more .
RVT ’ s range of dust extraction and HEPA dust filtration units are ideal for protecting workers against silica dust , wood dust and other hazardous airborne contaminants .
As well as temporary dust control solutions , we offer free resources for dust and other health hazards encountered during construction and renovation related activities . These resources include :
On-site assessments
• CPD accredited presentations
• Best Practice Guides
• Whitepapers
• Toolbox talks
• Video guides
• Case Study :
RVT Group , recently assisted PRNS on a lift renovation project in a ‘ live ’ multistorey residential property . PRNS were contracted to cut 16 new lift entrances through reinforced concrete , and they required strict dust control throughout the entire project . RVT Group supplied the high airflow Dustex ® DustMaster ® filtration unit , complete with capture hood and intake duct . The capture hood was placed within secure ventilation enclosures , as close to the cutting works as possible , to capture the dust at source whilst keeping the work area under negative pressure . This ensured zero dust migration into
live areas of the building throughout the duration of the project . The strict dust control measures undertaken on this project allowed the team to quickly implement a full clean down and repainting of the lift shaft , ready for the next stage of the project .
New Product :
RVT have launched the brand new Dustex ® DustMaster ® Pro . The design of the DustMaster ® Pro was based on the original DustMaster ® but features a number of upgrades , including ; a higher performance mixed flow fan achieving 30 % more airflow , the option of a H14 HEPA filter and an audible alarm to alert you when filters need replacing . Plus , the unit is now made from a durable moulded plastic casing , which is 100 % sealed to maintain air pressure .
www . rvtgroup . co . uk
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