In the hardworking world of mining and construction, dust is an ever-present health hazard and threat to operations. It’s a part of daily life, however. And while hard to completely eliminate, dust can be managed with the help of modern knowledge, technology and tailored dust control solutions.

These solutions can take many forms, usually requiring a combination of techniques.

And while assembling the right site-specific solution is complex, it’s worth the effort for the flow-on benefits to people, animals and the environment. You can even add to this damage to assets that keep heavy operations like mining and construction running. Through this lens, we can see how critical dust control is and the costs of getting it wrong.

Meanwhile, throughout Australia’s largest industries, where much of our wealth is generated, the search for effective dust control solutions is on in earnest. Just recently, the EPA found one of Australia’s largest Gold Miners producing unacceptable dust levels at its site. The company reacted because it would mean running less product through their processing plant if they couldn’t solve the dust issue quickly. 

Something that would come at an almost unbelievable cost in dollar terms.

So let’s dig in and explore some specific dust control solutions!

 

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Dust Control on Construction Sites

Construction sites are often associated with dust and air pollution. 

However, several dust control solutions are available for the industry to help minimise the effects.

  1. One of the most common ways is to use water, which can be applied in several ways, like sprinklers, hoses, and misting systems. Water can suppress dust particles, reducing the amount of dust discharged into the air, but it’s far from perfect as a standalone option.
  2. Another solution is dust suppression products, such as polymers and binders. These products can be applied to the soil’s surface or to the construction material itself to prevent dust from being generated.
  3. Vacuum systems are also an effective dust control solution. They often extract dust and debris from the air, surfaces and machinery. This method is handy for indoor construction sites, where the dust won’t quickly disperse.
  4. As a last line of defence, personal protective equipment (PPE) can also help control dust exposure. Workers can wear gloves, goggles and respirators to protect themselves from inhaling dust particles.

A combination of these solutions, including water, dust suppression products, vacuum systems, and personal protective equipment, is generally required for adequate control.

 

Dust Control on Mine Sites 

Mining operations kick up serious dust hazards to workers and nearby communities. 

So let’s explore some of the available solutions.

  1. Unsurprisingly, the most common solution is water sprays. These can be used to wet down road surfaces and other high-traffic areas where dust is a problem. Wetting agents can also be added to water sprays to improve their effectiveness.
  2. Another is the use of ventilation systems to remove dust from the air. These systems can be designed to capture dust at the source, like conveyor belts or at transfer points where material is loaded into haulage. Ventilation can also provide clean air to workers in enclosed spaces.
  3. Dust can also be mitigated with specialised equipment, like collectors and scrubbers. These devices can capture dust and other particles before they become airborne or physically remove them from the air after release.
  4. Lastly, proper maintenance and housekeeping are a must. Regular cleaning of equipment and work areas can prevent dust from building up and becoming a hazard.

 

Once again, combining these methods is often necessary to effectively control dust in mining operations. 

If dust control is an issue for your construction, exploration or resource business, check out GRT’s tailored solutions, including our industry-leading SMART Dosing Units.    

 

Or, if you’d like to talk with an expert, simply contact us!

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