A workplace where workers are particularly at risk are construction sites where there is a high exposure to mixed dust due to both demolition and construction work as well as the use of cement, debris and plasterwork. Moreover, current legislation specifies the use of devices for protection against solid and liquid particles.
Mixed dust hazards on construction sites
The mixed dust hazards on construction sites is due to the potential presence of artificial mineral fibres, wood dust, silica dust, asbestos, cement, bitumen, tar and other products such as glues and adhesives. Risk assessments regarding mixed dust on site is the responsibility of the employer, in-company appointee or appointed third parties, who are also responsible for establishing which personal protective equipment is to be used.
Silica dust, for example, produced when processing concrete, is one of the hazardous substances present which can lead to lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and silicosis. The asbestos risk is well-known nowadays, while only few people are aware that wood processing residues are carcinogenic. These are just a few examples of mixed dust that can endanger workers’ health. Current regulations specify that, in addition to dust risk assessments, engineering controls such as the wetting of the material being processed and the use of low-speed tools, be implemented to keep demolition dust under control. Naturally, dust on construction sites can never be eliminated completely and it is for this reason that personal protective equipment such as respiratory protective devices should be used.
How to protect the respiratory system from mixed dust hazards
As already mentioned, exposure to mixed dust found on construction sites can seriously compromise the workers’ health. Risks assessments, therefore, need to be performed and respiratory protective devices suitable for the purpose intended need to be provided. Efficient protection is provided by powered air purifying respirators with particle filters. These are personal protective devices specific for the protection of the respiratory system against asbestos fibres and all the other particles found on construction sites, such as silica dust, artificial mineral fibres, fibreglass, and any other fibre used for thermal or acoustic insulation.
Powered air purifying respirators are also suitable for protection against exposure to chromium found in cement and can lead to a disease known as “mason’s eczema”. These respirators, powered by rechargeable batteries are equipped with blower units which convey filtered air to the inside of the facepiece (either facemask or helmet). Any excess air and expired air is expelled through exhalation valves thus keeping the visor demisted and preventing exposure to an excessive supply of oxygen. Some powered respirator models have blower units and batteries worn on a belt at the waist while other models have batteries and blower units built into the helmet.
Jul 16 2018
Mixed dusts: which sectors are risk?
Mixed dust hazards on construction sites
The mixed dust hazards on construction sites is due to the potential presence of artificial mineral fibres, wood dust, silica dust, asbestos, cement, bitumen, tar and other products such as glues and adhesives. Risk assessments regarding mixed dust on site is the responsibility of the employer, in-company appointee or appointed third parties, who are also responsible for establishing which personal protective equipment is to be used.
Silica dust, for example, produced when processing concrete, is one of the hazardous substances present which can lead to lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and silicosis. The asbestos risk is well-known nowadays, while only few people are aware that wood processing residues are carcinogenic. These are just a few examples of mixed dust that can endanger workers’ health. Current regulations specify that, in addition to dust risk assessments, engineering controls such as the wetting of the material being processed and the use of low-speed tools, be implemented to keep demolition dust under control. Naturally, dust on construction sites can never be eliminated completely and it is for this reason that personal protective equipment such as respiratory protective devices should be used.
How to protect the respiratory system from mixed dust hazards
As already mentioned, exposure to mixed dust found on construction sites can seriously compromise the workers’ health. Risks assessments, therefore, need to be performed and respiratory protective devices suitable for the purpose intended need to be provided. Efficient protection is provided by powered air purifying respirators with particle filters. These are personal protective devices specific for the protection of the respiratory system against asbestos fibres and all the other particles found on construction sites, such as silica dust, artificial mineral fibres, fibreglass, and any other fibre used for thermal or acoustic insulation.
Powered air purifying respirators are also suitable for protection against exposure to chromium found in cement and can lead to a disease known as “mason’s eczema”. These respirators, powered by rechargeable batteries are equipped with blower units which convey filtered air to the inside of the facepiece (either facemask or helmet). Any excess air and expired air is expelled through exhalation valves thus keeping the visor demisted and preventing exposure to an excessive supply of oxygen. Some powered respirator models have blower units and batteries worn on a belt at the waist while other models have batteries and blower units built into the helmet.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •