Construction, mining, demolition, woodwork – they can all get very dusty, very quickly. However, dust suppression systems can help reduce the amount of dust particles in the air, limiting the negative effects on both people and the environment associated with extensive dust exposure.
What is a dust suppression system?
A dust suppression systems restricts the number of dust particles that can become airborne. They’re essential in areas like quarries, mines, and construction sites where large volumes of dust are produced.
How does a dust suppression system work?
Water is used in dust suppression systems; when water reaches the dust particles, the weight of each individual particle is increased, thereby preventing its circulation in the air.
Different systems have slight variations in the way they suppress dust, such as rain guns and spinning discs, the former of which are powered by hydraulic centrifugal pumps and spray a high volume of water at quarry faces and demolition sites, the latter atomising water into a fine mist for closer-range applications, such as roads.
Why is dust suppression important?
Health
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 stipulates that workers must be adequately protected from wood dust in the workplace. Dust suppression systems are necessary on sites where workers might be sawing timber, for example, as wood dust exposure limits in the workplace exist too; the WEL for hardwood dust is 3mg/m3, and 5mg/m3 for softwood.
Coal dust particles found in mines are also highly carcinogenic, with inhalation leading to coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP). Similarly, silica dust found on quarry sites can cause silicosis, a progressive and sometimes fatal lung disease.
Air quality is severely impacted by dust, and so it’s extremely important that your site has a high quality dust suppression system in order to keep workers safe and follow regulations.
Safety
Large levels of dust, like those found on large construction sites, can reach nearby roads. This is dangerous for two main reasons: firstly, dust reduces visibility, and secondly, dust can reduce traction. A lack of dust suppression can, therefore, pose risks to not only workers, but also the general public.
Dust suppression systems for hire
At AcePlant, we have a large range of dust suppression systems for hire.
Dust suppression units
Our standard dust suppression units come in 4 sizes: 2250L, 5200L, 7200L, and 9000L. The smallest is petrol driven, whereas the larger three models have a hydraulic vacuum pump. 2250L is great for small spaces, while 9000L is the best option for large quarries.
Rain guns
Our rain guns are operated entirely from the inside cab of the tractor, and an impressive throw of 70m can be achieved, making them the ideal solution to dust generated by large quarries.
Spinning discs
This option is one of our most efficient when it comes to dust suppression. As spinning discs are gravity fed, less water is consumed than a rear splash plate option, for example. The spinning disc can make 9000L of water last up to 90 minutes, in comparison to a rear splash plate that will use the same volume of water in approximately 9 minutes.
Quickspray
Quickspray is a Telehandler/loader mounted dust suppression system and is one of the most innovative solutions we have available for hire. Ideal for haul roads, stockpiles and harder to reach areas, Quickspray uses gravity to feed water onto a spinning disk, atomising the water into a very fine mist.
Dust Fighter
Remote-controllable, the Dust Fighter allows for easy operation at a distance and is used most commonly in the demolition, quarrying and recycling industries to reduce airborne dust levels.
Is your site in need of a dust suppression system for hire? If so, give us a call on 01908 662191 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, fill out a contact form and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your request.