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 minerals and quarrying industry. Our standards of construction vary but we usually use a mild steel construction – however the method of construction needs to consider wear characteristics and product flow for heavy dust loads.
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.
We also offer a wide range of filter cartridge and bag materials and 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. Click here to see our filters.
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 from harmful dust
- Reduce housekeeping and minimise breakdowns
- Protect the environment
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 under COSHH to control emissions into the workplace.
Silica and minerals being processed can pose a risk if they escape into the atmosphere. There may be products in use that, if exposed to them by breathing them or touching them, can cause adverse side effects such as respiratory illness, skin reactions and other physiological effects. For example:
-
irritation of the skin
-
eye irritation
Longer-term effects can include:
-
allergic reactions in the skin and respiratory tract and asthma;
-
inflammation of the lungs; cancer of the lung and nose, particularly the sinuses
A Health risk encountered by people working in processing areas in quarries and mines is the exposure to a number of harmful substances including:
-
Fine respirable dust which contains silica, large quantities of inhalable and respirable dusts, ferrous particulates and dust and fumes
-
Other possible hazardous substances dependent on the nature of the quarry/mine can include chlorine, aluminium, lead, cadmium, cobalt and nickel
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 on maintenance requirements and prevent costly breakdowns making the process more productive and reducing operator intervention, thereby saving money.
Protect the Environment
With processes that are vented to atmosphere 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 this legislation.
What steps can you take to reduce dust?
Dustcheck process filtration and dust control solutions will help prevent and control dust and emissions and solve all of the issues that go with it. You can also find industry standard guidance and advice on the HSE website (link) with sections that deal specifically with dust control.