Let’s be honest, dust is an unavoidable part of working on-site. Whether you're in scaffolding, construction, or the oil & gas industries, it’s no secret that prolonged exposure can seriously harm your health, leading to long-term effects and even death.
Regularly breathing in construction dust can lead to serious diseases like lung cancer, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and silicosis. Construction, scaffolding, and oil & gas workers are at higher risk due to their frequent exposure. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over [1]500 construction workers die each year from silica dust exposure. Silica, found naturally in rocks, sand, and clay, is a key ingredient in materials like bricks, tiles, concrete, and mortar, making it a constant hazard on job sites and causing constant exposure to workers.
Countless stories have been and continue to emerge, revealing the harsh, life-changing challenges that construction dust brings, not only to the workers that it directly affects but also to their families and friends. [2]For example, a man who worked on numerous building sites as a brickie’s labourer and road worker for over 25 years was given a diagnosis of silicosis. it was discovered when he developed pneumonia. Through the diagnosis, he was rated as 30% disabled, confirming the illness has had a life-changing effect, giving up a lot of his beloved hobbies such as surfing and fixing cars due to a weak chest. In another example, a [3]bricklayer in worked in the coal mining pits of West Yorkshire died from lung cancer in 2005 due to being exposed to silica dust over 30 years.
The men in the examples above started their careers in the 1970s, when health and safety regulations were minimal, and the dangers of dust exposure weren’t fully recognized or understood. But make no mistake, these risks are just as serious today, as the statistics clearly show. It is important to remember that once silicosis has developed in a person, the damage is irreversible.
Fortunately, with the right eye protection, masks, and dust management machines, we can significantly reduce dust exposure and create a healthier, safer environment for all workers. These machines are specifically designed to tackle dust hazards, giving you peace of mind on the job. Let’s explore the Top 5 Dust Management tools that can help minimise risks and promote a safer worksite for everyone.
1. BIGBEN Scaffold Sheeting
This heavy-duty, versatile product, when used, can help strengthen the safety of a project in many areas and prevent several low, but potential, dangers from occurring or exacerbating.
The BIGBEN Scaffold Sheeting offers an impressive range of benefits, from minimizing the risks associated with extreme weather and fires to expertly containing dust and debris. This makes it an ideal choice for demolition projects, where it plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding environment. By containing dust and debris, it prevents particles from drifting into public areas, significantly reducing potential health risks and environmental impact.
Though, the benefits don’t stop at demolition sites. Construction projects of all kinds generate dust and debris, which can pose hazards to both workers and the public. BIGBEN Scaffold Sheeting helps control this spread, keeping harmful particles out of the air and out of people’s lungs. This improves visibility and safety for pedestrians and drivers alike, enhancing overall project safety.
Click here to view our Scaffold Sheeting collection.
2. MaxVac DV35 35Ltr Wet/Dry Vacuum Kit
This versatile single-motor vacuum has a powerful 1200W motor power take-off and is designed to handle both wet and dry tasks, making it a first-choice solution for a wide range of cleaning needs. Its robust 35-liter drum ensures durability, while the 230V model offers 2000 watts of power and the 110V model provides 1000 watts. It features a convenient power take-off function. Equipped with an automatic run and filter cleaning system, plus a manual filter clean button, it guarantees efficient performance and hassle-free maintenance.
This vacuum is also fitted with metal rubber bumper castors with non-marking rubber tyres, meaning it can be used on a variety of surfaces. The durability of the drum ensures it can withstand the toughest treatment, alongside the motor housing which is also built to last with its high ability to withstand impact and is truly built to last.
We understand that work on-site is busy, so we’re all about making your life easier. The bag inside is extremely easy to change, wet or dry. The vacuum contains a HEPA filter safety closure which retains dust in transport, and a 10m power cord which allows you to cover a large work area.
Click here to view the Maxvac DV35 35Ltr Wet\Dry Vacuum Kit.
3. BIGBEN UltraTuff Anti-Dust Reuseable Rubble Chute Hose Cover
Rubble Chutes create dust, that’s a fact and technically, it’s in the name. In case you didn’t know, the rubble chute eliminates the necessity for workers to manually transport debris up and down the scaffolding. Instead, it promotes efficient waste management by offering a secure channel for waste disposal to be thrown into a strategically positioned skip at ground level, ensuring a safe and streamlined disposal process. It negates the risk of rubble or debris falling onto workers below or nearby members of the public.
The BIGBEN Anti-Dust Reusable Rubble Chute Covers is a unique protective anti-dust solution which is designed to be assembled around the chutes edges to protect the surrounding area and people within the vicinity from dust.
A simple, yet effective way to minimise the risk of dust.
Click here to view the BIGBEN UltraTuff Anti-Dust Reusable Rubble Chute Hose Cover.
4. MAXVAC Dura DV120 – MB 120ltr Wet/Dry Vacuum
This 1200W motor vacuum is built for heavy-duty cleaning, making it perfect for tackling large clean-up tasks. Designed with convenience in mind, it not only delivers powerful suction but is also easy to empty, streamlining the process for disposal at waste processing facilities.
Along with an easy-to-move handle, robust wheels drain tap and an impressive 120ltr capacity, this piece of equipment is excellent for cleaning up warehouses, construction sites, floods, spillages, among other uses with its practical 45mm connection hose and wand kit.
An array of key features comes alongside this MAXVAC Dura DV120 and is the perfect solution to have on site due to its versatile uses.
Click here to view the MAXVAC Dura DV120-MB 120ltr Wet/Dry Vacuum.
5. Respiratory Protection
Dust particles can contain a mix of components and chemicals that can cause serious harm, particularly with prolonged exposure. Many of these particles are microscopic, and invisible to the naked eye, making the work environment more hazardous than it may appear, especially in spaces with limited or no ventilation.
We have a selection of respiratory protection equipment expertly designed to help you breath in clean air, protecting you against those nasty particles. Our selection features a range of products with different prices to help the individual worker find something which suits their needs and budget.
Click here to view our Respiratory Protection Collection.
6. Dustblocker 700 – Hepa Air Cleaner
An invention for the homeowner, trade, and hire industry, the Dustblocker 700 has been designed for use in renovation and flood restoration. For convenience, this piece of equipment is easy to stack and store and very robust with a rotomoulded housing. It must also be noted that the DB700 can effectively be operated when mounted in both the vertical and horizontal positions.
This machine is the epitome of ‘small but mighty’ with its high-efficiency motor and HEPA filtration with a metal guard which is designed to protect the filters as is usual with all Dustblocker units. The air scrubber has been manufactured to accept a 16-inlet flexible duct and 10-lay flat outlet ducts for a variety of operating set-up options and with a two-year warranty, you can’t go wrong!
Click here to view the Dustblocker 700 - Hepa Air Cleaner.
7. MAXVAC Dustblocker MEDI 25 with UV-C VIRUS STERILISER
This impressive machine has been specifically designed to purify the air of offices, hospitals, schools, public spaces, and indoor areas just to name a few. Its impressive 2000m3/h airflow runs 24/7 to ensure a healthy living environment. It has the ability to remove 99.995% of airborne dust with the use of advanced HEPA filtration.
It’s not just the manufacture that’s fascinating but the science behind its design. The new MEDI range incorporates a proven UV-C (Ultraviolet) Sterilisation Technology to kill or inactivate bacteria by disrupting their DNA to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and viruses. The powerful air cleaners work to immobilise and rid nasty airborne micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, dust mites, and spores, rendering them unable to produce.
It must be strongly noted that these units are entirely safe for use in occupied areas as all UV-C rays are completely concealed.
Click here to view the MAXVAC Dustblocker MEDI 25 WITH UV-C VIRUS STERILISER.
8. Dust Blocker 500 Air Filtration Cleaner
Weighing just 19kg, the Dust Blocker 500 Air Filtration Cleaner is a compact, lightweight solution designed to effectively eliminate invisible dust from work environments. Engineered for continuous 24-hour operation, it offers a choice of 110V or 230V and delivers an impressive airflow of 500m³/h. This versatile machine is ideal for a wide range of locations, including woodworking shops, machine rooms, repair workshops, bakeries, and renovation sites, anywhere dust from materials like concrete, brick, grout, or mortar may be present.
One advantage that the Dust Blocker 500 boasts is its quiet function and easiness to use in occupied buildings. For rooms needing negative pressure, a duct can be attached to the machine to take the exhaust out of the sealed room.
The prevalence of dust is unavoidable and for particles so small, they carry such large dangers that can have a long-term impact on yourself and your family. A one-time solution is for lasting peace of mind.
Click here to view the Dust Blocker 500 Air Filtration Cleaner.
[1] https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/construction-dust.htm
