What Is A Dust Suppression System?

From construction sites to material handling facilities, dust suppression systems play a vital in keeping worksites clean. When done properly, dust control will protect workers and nearby residents from harmful exposure to airborne dust particles. Let’s take a look at the role of dust suppressions systems and why your job site could benefit from this cleaning method.

Dust Suppression System Guide

Dust suppression refers to the techniques and methods applied to ultimately control and reduce airborne dust particles in several different environments. There are many common creators of airborne dust, such as quarries and mines, construction sites, both paved and unpaved roads, material handling facilities, and more.

Particulate matter from the aforementioned sources can become fugitive when they combine with either wind or mechanical force. Unfortunately, these particles pose substantial health risks to workers and any individuals nearby. This can also wear equipment down and cause environmental damage.

Dust suppression systems mix water, chemicals, and various other materials to prevent dust from entering the air. These systems can also trap and eradicate dust once it is in the air. The overall goal is to keep individuals and the environment clean and safe.

Why Use Dust Suppression Systems?

Dust suppression methods have been used for decades in the U.S. Recently, government agencies have tightened regulations across service industries, designed to advance the technology used to combat airborne dust particles.

Of course, there are many community and environmental factors to consider when it comes to dust suppression systems. Here are reasons why dust suppression is necessary.

Health And Safety Purposes

When dust particles are inhaled, it can result in serious health issues like lung diseases and respiratory problems. Fine particle matter like silica dust, for example, can contribute to silicosis and even lung cancer. You can protect the health and safety of workers and nearby residents with the use of dust suppression.

Protect The Environment

Environmental degradation can occur when dust settles in soil, water, and vegetation. It’s no secret that dust can contribute to air pollution, as well.

Efficiency

Dust may interfere with machinery and equipment currently in use. This can lead to both increased downtime and maintenance costs. Effective dust suppression systems can undoubtedly improve the efficiency of the equipment on-site.

Keep The Community Clean

Dust from construction or demolition sites can have negative impacts on the surrounding communities. Dust suppression systems can improve community relations while more importantly keeping the area safe.

Regulatory Compliance

Downtime, fines, and even complete shutdowns can occur when compliance standards are not met. Agencies, such as OSHA and the EPA, continue to set the standards for fugitive emissions and dust exposure.

Where Is Dust Suppression Commonly Used?

Dust suppression is commonly used in a plethora of settings. Location will often play a crucial role in a worksite’s need for this service. For instance, areas near bodies of water typically experience more wind.

Additionally, close proximity to residential areas can increase the need for dust suppression systems to be applied. The resulting suppression method sometimes depends on the specific activity that created the airborne dust.

Dust suppressions will be used throughout the following operations:

• Water and recycling.
• Ports and terminals.
• Demolition and construction sites.
• Mining and aggregate.
• Scrap metal recycling.
• Asphalt and concrete development.
• Power generation.
• Steel and slag processing.