How to Manage Construction Dust

Dust Management in Construction

Exposure to dust at work causes thousands of cases of ill health every year, with many of these entirely preventable. Some illnesses can eventually lead to death as a result of long-term lung conditions such as COPD.

HSE visits check that workers know the risk of dust in the workplace and have the relevant dust control systems in place. Work should also be planned ahead of time to know all the risks.

In industries such as construction and manufacturing, dust management is usually focused on more during the summer months. However, dust control and best practice awareness are important throughout the year, not just when an inspection is approaching or the weather is warmer.

 

What is dust?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, dust is:

"dry dirt in the form of powder that covers surfaces inside a building, or very small dry pieces of soil, sand, or other substances".

Dust starts off as airborne particles, eventually settling on surfaces. These particles can become airborne again through actions or disturbances.

 

The types of dust in the workplace

Construction dust is different to the dust we would find at home and live with every day. We create dust in nearly everything we do, and it is hard to get away from. But in the workplace, the high levels of building dust are extremely dangerous to health and need to be controlled.

Workplace dust can contain other hazardous substances, such as silica or other small fibres.

There are two types of dust: nuisance and hazardous. The former isn’t a huge health risk but can still be dangerous if inhaled in large quantities and can reduce visibility and cause throat and nose irritation. Hazardous dust, however, can quickly cause ill health and even fatal or debilitating illnesses. All dust must be controlled.

The most common forms of hazardous dust in construction are:

• Asbestos fibres
• Wood dust
• Silica dust
• Non-silica dust

Using equipment such as cut-off saws, breakers, grinders, and sanders can cause dust. Even dry sweeping the floor throughout the day can cause dust.

Exposure to asbestos causes thousands of deaths every year, and silica dust deaths are in the hundreds.  Anyone exposed to wood dust is four times more likely to develop asthma, and it can lead to cancer in the long term. Tens of thousands of people are currently living with dust-related illnesses.

You won’t die immediately, but the effects of dust in construction can take years to develop. Today’s mistake could mean distress in a few years.

 

How can exposure to dust affect health?

Often, the effects of dust aren't noticeable until some time after the exposure. Dust particles are often almost invisible to the naked eye, so anyone unprotected may not even realise that they are breathing them in.

Prolonged exposure builds up, and by the time it is making a notable difference to health, this is often irreversible and may even be untreatable.

Unfortunately, these particles can sit on the lungs and in the airways, eventually causing health issues such as:

• lung cancer
• silicosis
• asthma
• COPD

Developing these diseases isn't a given. However, they are entirely preventable. This is why tackling the source of dust and controlling the output is crucial.

 

Legal requirements for controlling dust

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations cover workplace exposure limits, including dust levels. The more dangerous forms of dust, such as silica, have a workplace exposure limit (WEL) too.

The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations covers asbestos alone, as it is such a dangerous substance.

Employers have a legal requirement to assess the risks and ensure sufficient dust control practices are in place, and all employees need to be aware of the legal limit for the maximum amount of dust they can be exposed to over a working day.

Your legal duties are the same whether you are on a small or large building site.

If employers and contractors fail to protect workers health, there can be serious consequences:

• the individual can suffer from long-term health issues
• the HSE may take enforcement action, and you will have to pay for the cost of the inspection, enforcement, and investigation
• your reputation can be damaged. If prosecuted, your company will appear on a Public Register

 

How to control dust in the workplace

You need to prevent or adequately control the dust created when working in all workplaces, whether construction or manufacturing.

Ideally, dust in the work area should initially be prevented as much as possible. Using the right tools, such as those with built-in extraction units or which offer high performance and quick execution, can help to reduce the risk of airborne particles.

Also, see if the task can be carried out without causing dust. Can wood be bought pre-cut, or can other tasks be carried out outdoors where there is natural ventilation?

If you can’t avoid creating dust, such as in manufacturing facilities, you need to have a dust management plan in place and control the risks. Apply adequate dust control measures.

• Dust extraction units work by collecting dust and particles in the air through a filter, disposing of harmful matter and releasing clean air back into the environment
• Dust suppression systems use liquids, usually water, to reduce the possibility of particles becoming airborne. It is sprayed onto the dust as it is created, causing the dust to become heavier and drop to the ground
• Air cleaners can work supplementary to the above. They work like air purifiers, as the filter traps particles, and the fan moves newly cleaned air around the room
• Use cleaning equipment such as floor scrubbers and pressure washers to clean the flooring rather than dry sweeping

When dust is created, it should be contained. Close doors and windows, even with dust control measures in place, to ensure it doesn't spread.

Workplaces require a risk assessment to quantify the level of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) required for all workers on-site. For example, respiratory masks may need to be worn on-site by all workers, but for those in direct contact with the dust, full face masks or headcovers may be advised.

General PPE, such as gloves and coveralls, should also be worn. These can be disposed of or cleaned of dust, minimising the dust travelling elsewhere on-site or into the home.