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Specialist sees jump in enquiries from London-based construction firms on dust control measures

Following a concerted awareness campaign by the Health & Safety Executive about dust control requirements, and with an additional announcement from the Mayor of London on the introduction of mandatory Supplementary Planning Guidance (which aims to reduce the impact of construction and demolition dust), dust extraction specialist Dustcontrol UK, has seen a surge in enquiries from London-based construction companies, looking for information on the best control measures to implement in order to meet the required air quality standards.

James Miller, Dustcontrol UK's General Manager, comments: "The HSE has worked hard recently to try and broaden awareness of dust control regulations. On top of this, the Mayor of London has recently released details that outline the plan to reduce air pollution and combat dust issues in the capital. This appears to have caused many construction firms to wake up to dust related problems.

The side effects of dust inhalation are potentially very serious and it's certainly a good thing that decision-makers in the construction and demolition industries are becoming more aware of the need to implement measures that help to reduce its impact, not just for site workers but also on the wider community.

"Construction companies need to make sure that they put the necessary procedures in place if they want to achieve sufficient air quality standards. The introduction of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, means that certain standards are enforced by law, however many in the industry are either unaware or simply fail to apply the letter of the law in their implementation.

"The HSE has existing guidance in the form of Construction Information Sheet 36, which help firms understand how to stay within the legal boundaries. The SPG requirements aren't due to come into force until September 2015 so some in the industry may consider that to be breathing space.

However, the contents of CIS36 are more stringent than the SPG in regards to dust, so steps should be taken without delay.

The surge in London-based enquiries and information requests is reassuring though, and it certainly seems to suggest that the SPG announcement has served as an industry wakeup call."

Dustcontrol UK, based in Northants (UK head office), has developed a series of mobile dust extractors and air cleaners specifically designed to help those working on construction projects to capture dust at its source. The products provide a cleaner working environment and create a more efficient production process, whilst also helping to combat the adverse health effects caused by hazardous dusts. The equipment developed by Dustcontrol will help firms to achieve the standards set by both CIS36 and the Supplementary Planning Guidance.

The Dustcontrol UK range of mobile dust extractors includes the DC 1800, the DC 2900, the DC AirCube 500, and the DC AirCube 2000, which are specifically designed for onsite mobile dust extraction.

The DC 1800 and the DC 2900 have been designed to work with handheld power tools and small table saws. Lightweight and portable, they're powerful enough for source extraction and are also potent and effective vacuum cleaners, eliminating the need for sweeping.

The AirCube models are used in conjunction with on-tool extraction to prevent dust migration. They are designed to separate fine and hazardous dusts, such as silica dust, which is found in concrete, brick, grout, mortar and drywall compound.

All four products use HEPA H13 filters, unlike many other products, which only use M class filters. The use of H13 filters guarantees that the products remove 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3 micrometres from the air that passes through; meaning air exhausted from the products is the cleanest it can be.

"The necessary equipment to control harmful dusts is available, it just needs to be implemented properly and efficiently if it's to work to a sufficient standard," concludes James. "Firms shouldn't be concerned by the requirements of CIS36 or the SPG. The only concern should be that the appropriate safeguards are put in place. Once the necessary steps have been taken, compliance should be a given. We're happy to help any firms that are looking for advice on the best measures to take to ensure optimum air quality."

T: 01327 858001
E: [email protected]
W: www.dustcontroluk.co.uk

2nd October 2014