Construction works involve excavating and dealing with loose soil. Consequently, construction activities produce lots of dust. Wind makes the situation worse by blowing the dust all over the site. Over time, exposure to dust can lead to health issues such as lung problems and silicosis. It also messes up the construction site. It is, therefore, imperative to prevent the hazardous situation by all means. Dust control techniques aim to prevent or reduce the movement of dust particles in the air. Here are some highly effective dust control measures to manage dust in your construction site.
Use Water
Whether you are constructing a road or renovating a building, heavy equipment is likely to toss the wind around. This is where water comes in handy. Spraying water is the most popular dust control method. It is not only cost-effective but also very effective. Typically, a water tanker is used to spray water on the dust-filled areas. The atmospheric condition determines the amount of water you should use. Applying too much water can lead to soil erosion.
Polymers
The use of polymers is yet another effective method of dust control in a construction site. Basically, polymers are applied on top of loose soil in areas that do not experience vehicle traffic. When water is sprayed over the polymers, they form a seal that helps to contain dust.
Chloride
Chloride compounds are hygroscopic. This means that they absorb water making the environment dump. In essence, they prevent the soil from drying up and forming dust. In most cases, the chlorides are spread in areas where there is high traffic. Although chlorides do not prevent dust formation, they reduce the amount of dust generated.
Install Physical Barriers
Setting up physical barriers is one of the most practical dust control methods. They significantly help to prevent dust from escaping to the surrounding environment. This dust control method prevents wind from whipping up the dust in the first place. There are numerous ways of setting up physical barriers, ranging from temporary walls to using silt fences. Barriers and fencing do not only prevent dust but also help to contain it. While erecting barriers, ensure that you do it the right way the first time. Ideally, the barriers should be placed at right angles to the prevailing wind currents. Besides the barrier, you should also adopt practices that minimize swirling the wind. For instance, instead of sweeping, consider using a vacuum.
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