Effective Dust Control Techniques During Construction Site Preparation

Construction site preparation involves everything that readies the site for construction, including its measurement, site clearing, and legal clearance. Dust control is an important step in the site preparation process. Controlling dust isn’t just about cleanliness but also about keeping your site in good order. Dust is more than an annoyance, it could become a hazard to your staff and equipment. Here’s more about effective dust control techniques during construction site preparation.

Effective Dust Control Techniques During Construction Site Preparation

Clean Up After Yourself!

The first thing you should do on a construction site is clean up after yourself – and the previous owners! Cleaning up is the first step to dust control, as long as everyone knows it’s a continual process.

As dust particles accumulate, you’ll have to keep the area clean. This will prepare you for the next day’s work – and the build at large.

Ventilate the Area Properly

Ventilate the area properly, and ensure proper circulation throughout your site. Ventilation is half the battle when it comes to keeping your site clean. It gives dust somewhere to go and gives oxygen a viable entry point.

Good ventilation equipment is recommended to ensure enough air is being circulated. However, you can also do this with windows and airflow.

Seal the Area To Control Dust

Seal areas of the construction site away from others. Dust management guarantees that the dust you’ll be digging up doesn’t spread to other areas. It helps to keep parts of the construction site clean as their own unit.

Sectioning construction sites in this way makes it easier to keep track, and easier to clean up. It’s also a bonus for safety.

Use Water As A Dust Suppressant

Water attracts dust. This is the first thing you should keep in mind when cleaning up your construction site. Simple rinsing can keep dust away from the construction site and also wash away what shouldn’t be there.

Water can be an effective dust control measure for most sites. When wet, dust and soil particles become heavy, making them less likely to become airborne.

Construction sites often prefer hydraulic systems over basic hoses to keep dust to a minimum. Chemicals are unnecessary when simple water can achieve most of what you’re hoping to do.

Dust control on haul roads can be more challenging as they often need multiple applications of water to control dust.

Remember to use environmentally friendly measures and use water responsibly.

Be Consistent With Dust Control

Be consistent when cleaning up, and make sure that every employee (and visitor) is aware of your protocol. Keeping things clean is easier when everyone on site is doing their part – including you and your staff members.

Sometimes it takes a little more training, or just a few moments of explanation before the job starts.

Vacuum and Cover

Never underestimate the value that vacuuming can bring to your building site. Clean up as you go, and vacuum up dust where it appears. Many construction site tasks will automatically create dust – and the easiest way to get it out of the way is to suck it up as you work.

Anything that dust shouldn’t touch is best covered up, as dust can cause considerable damage to your equipment.

Cover All Exit/Entry Points

Cover up your entry and exit points during the construction job. That’s the best way to ensure dust doesn’t come in and prevents dust from spreading out.

Plastic sheets can be an effective and cost-efficient option. Many construction sites use sheets like this to reduce dust and prevent it from spreading.

Put Up Barriers To Control Dust

Barriers are not just about entry and exit points, they also separate the inside of a construction site from the rest.

This is usually a serious safety requirement, which cordons off the area from any curious visitors. Keep in mind that barriers can also do much to deter sand and dust from going everywhere.

Other Options For Dust Control On Construction Sites

• Polymer emulsions: are sometimes used instead of water to control dust. They can create a weather-resistant surface and can help with erosion control. These products do not require constant reapplication as water does.
• Magnesium Chloride: is sometimes used to suck moisture from the air to make the surface damp and reduce dust.

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