Construction dust is not only a problem for those working on construction sites. Cutting through paving slabs or paving stones in the open air are images often seen in cities in Poland. Few people realize how dangerous the dust cloud that escapes into the environment during such cutting is. Dust particles contain crystalline silica, which causes a host of dangerous diseases and can even kill.
Don't breathe harmful dust!
Regulations banning the use of blowers in cities to clean up leaves and waste are becoming increasingly common. This is due to the fact that blowers re-ignite dust that has already fallen. As a result, we are exposed to inhaling it again. However, there is a lack of unequivocal regulations prohibiting cutting through public space, such as paving stones, which happens every day on the streets of Polish cities raising clouds of dust into the air, which literally kills us every day.
How to effectively fight construction dust?
© Husqvarna AB
What is crystalline silica?
Crystalline silica is a basic component of sand, soil granite and other minerals. Other forms of it include quartz, cristobalite and tridymite. All of them can be in the form of respirable-sized particles produced when drilling, cutting or grinding objects that have crystalline silica.
Crystalline silica is a lung carcinogen. Its dust can cause many diseases such as silicosis and alveolitis. According to EU Directive 2019/130, the exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica is 0.1 mg/m3 for eight hours of work.
How to effectively combat construction dust?
© Husqvarna AB
- Construction dust in the air is a serious threat to human health. Taking care of the public's health, we have developed a number of convenient solutions for effectively capturing and storing dust that is generated while working with our, as well as other, construction equipment. We have introduced a wide range of professional industrial vacuum cleaners of the highest efficiency class - H and using HEPA13 class filters - which means that the aspirated air with dust is cleaned at least 99.97%. We also have new concrete cutters that self-store dust in a bag connected to them. Where possible, we recommend using water to turn the dust into sludge. This can be done safely with all of our concrete cutting, grinding and drilling equipment. By using such machines, we can be sure that the work carried out will be carried out in accordance with the law, and will also be safe. Let's remember that dust is breathed not only by construction workers, but also by people near the construction site. Let's take care of our health and better air quality inside and outside the workplace," says Dawid Trukszyn, Husqvarna Construction Expert.
HusqvarnaConstruction Products Group, owned by Husqvarna AB, is a world leader in the production of diamond machines and tools used in construction and masonry. The basis of the business is a leading position in terms of products and technology offered, which is ensured by a high level of investment in the development of products tailored to users' needs. Products and services are distributed worldwide through all relevant sales channels. The division has expanded in recent years through four major acquisitions. For more information, visit www.husqvarnacp.com.
