Designed for you
As we design and build all of our own filters we have been able to develop a range to meet the needs of all aspects of the construction industry. Our standards of construction vary but we usually use mild steel; however our contracts engineers would consider the method of construction based on your product’s wear characteristics and product flow – for heavy dust loads for example.
Whether the application is process related – where the product being handled is a process ingredient (process venting) – or the application is handling fugitive emissions from the process (dust extraction/LEV) – we have a solution that will fit your need.
All of our filters come with ATEX rated options meaning potentially explosive and volatile products can be handled safely; and, although not a typical requirement within the industry, can be built to comply with Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) too.
We also offer a wide range of filter cartridge and bag media so are able to handle products from the coarsest to the finest, from the freest flowing product to the most cohesive. Our in-house design team are able to provide a filter to fit almost any space constraints so we can ensure we provide the right fit for your work-space – inside or outdoors. Click here to see our spares.
Why do you need dust control?
Dust control is vital in any manufacturing industry. A well-built, fit-for-purpose dust control system will:
- Protect Operators
- Reduce Housekeeping & Minimise Breakdowns
- Protect the Environment
There are two main types of construction dust:
Silica dust – Silica is a natural mineral that exists in various forms, including sand, quartz and flint but, more commonly in construction industries, it’s also found in materials such as concrete and mortar. During many tasks such as cutting, drilling and grinding, the silica is broken into very fine dust.
Non-silica dust – There are some construction products where silica is not found or is only present in very low amounts. The most common include gypsum, cement, limestone, marble and dolomite, though this dust can also mix with silica dust when cutting things like bricks.
Protect operators
Employees are the most valuable asset to any business. As well as a moral obligation to protect your work force you have a legal obligation too.
Dust that is produced in the construction industry can have serious effects on the health of your employees. Exposure to dust can cause serious skin conditions and even damage to the lungs and airways. The main dust related diseases affecting construction workers are:
- Lung Cancer
- Silicosis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
- Asthma
Recent HSE research has estimated that silica may be responsible for the deaths of over 500 people each year who have worked in construction. HSE also estimates that around 4,000 people die every year from COPD linked to work. Construction workers are one of the at-risk groups within this because of the dust that they breathe.
The HSE sets a long term Workplace Exposure Limit for every industry and a full list can be found on the HSE website. Breaching of these standards can result in severe penalties, loss of productivity due to employee sickness and even legal action. For small or large businesses, looking after employee health by reducing dust exposure is vitally important.
Reduce Housekeeping & Minimise Breakdowns
If dust emissions can be controlled at source this will prevent egress of dust into the wider production environment. Less or no dust in the production environment means housekeeping tasks can be minimised. It also means that machinery productivity won’t be impaired by dust ingress. This will save you maintenance requirements on broken-down machinery, save on cleaning time, prevent contamination, make your personnel more productive and most importantly save money.
Protect the Environment
You have a legal obligation to comply with emissions according to EPA. The Environmental Protection Act 1990’ (EPA) for waste management and control of emissions into the environment requires your business to keep emissions at a certain level and by filtering your air and removing contaminants; a Dustcheck system will ensure you meet legislation.
People often think that construction dust is not a problem if they are working outside because it will just blow away. While the wind will have some effect on the level of dust many tasks involve the person working close to the part of a tool where the dust is being made. With very dusty tasks this means that they can still breathe a lot of harmful dust.
What steps can you take to reduce dust?
We provide a wide variety of dust control solutions to help reduce dust accumulation that can cause adverse health effects for your employees. You can also find industry standard guidance and advice on the HSE website with sections that deal specifically with dust control.