DUST

Dust is a real risk in the construction industry and other work environments where airborne dust is generated. Dust that spreads easily in the air should be taken seriously even in home renovations.

DON'T IGNORE DUST

Dust is generated by many processes around construction sites and workshops. These processes include drilling, cutting, sanding, grinding, chasing and breaking. While you may recognise the issues created by many of the applications undertaken, historically managing these risks has proved challenging.

MAKITA ARE COMMITTED TO REDUCING DUST

Makita are committed to delivering effective solutions and services that meet your requirements and improve your productivity. We challenge ourselves to new initiatives which deliver the high standards you expect with the Makita brand while reducing the risk you are exposed to.

Makita offers a wide range of products with integrated dust collection systems and also compact battery operated dust collection systems that enable you to work safely without losing the freedom that cordless products offer.

DUST CLASSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EU STANDARD IEC 60335-2-69 

Vacuum cleaners used in construction sites have been categorized into three different groups according to the intended use. The dust class determines which substances can be vacuumed with a certain vacuum cleaner.

L – Class: filtration efficiency 99-99.9 percent of dust. Class L vacuum cleaners are designed for non-hazardous dust grades. Roughly corresponds to HEPA ratings of 10-11 in filtration efficiency

M – Class: Filtration efficiency 99.9 to 99.995 percent of dust. Class M vacuum cleaners are designed for all types of dust, concrete, gypsum, cement and sand dust. Roughly corresponds to HEPA ratings of 12-13 in filteration efficiency

H – Class: filtration efficiency 99.995 to 99.999 percent. Class H vacuum cleaners are intended for dusts that contain glass wool, bacteria, carcinogens, mold spores, etc. Roughly equivalent to HEPA classification 14

For vacuum cleaners of class M and H, the following are also defined:

-Clear warning sound if airflow drops below 20 m / s. This is intended to indicate impaired suction power.

-The dustbag must be closable so that there is no exposure to dust when the vacuum cleaner is emptied.

-The exhaust fan of the vacuum cleaner must not exceed 1 m/s and be at least 50 mm above the floor. This is to prevent the dust on the floor from spreading.

Other dust classifications:

HEPA - classification has been developed to classify, for example, respirators, air conditioners and other dust-related equipment into applications. At these sites, the airflow is reasonably slow compared to tool extractors. In addition, HEPA filters are focused on filtering contaminants that float in the air, while the tool extractor must work not only with airborne dust but also with heavier dust.

FACTS

The shape and diameter of the dust particles have a decisive effect on how the particle penetrates and adheres to the human respiratory system. The potential health effects of dust are a consequence of this.

Inhalable dust: This is airborne particles that are breathed into the airways and deposited in the respiratory tract. These particles are usually cleared by mucus.

Respirable dust: This refers to the finer particles that penetrate deep in to the lungs. Respirable Crystalline Sylica (RCS) can cause scar tissue of the lung which in turn leads to silicosis.

TYPES OF DUST, HEALTH EFFECTS AND PROTECTION

Concrete dust: Most of the dust generated by construction is concrete dust, which contains the most quartz dust, or silica. Concrete dust is generated, for example, in grinding, drilling, blade cutting and cleaning.

The adverse health effects of concrete dust are centrally related to the quartz dust it contains. Its particles are able to penetrate the alveoli. At its worst, quartz can cause stone dust lung disease and even lung cancer.

Stone brick and mortar dust: In addition to masonry work, exposure is also possible when doing demolition work carried out with a sawmill, sledgehammer or demolition hammer. Cutting bricks and stone can also expose to dust.

Stone bricks and mortar dust can be severely irritating to the skin, respiratory tract and eyes. Tiles and the dust they form can even be corrosive. These types of dust also include quartz dust, which at worst can cause stone dust lung and carcinogenic risk.

Protective gloves and respirators should be worn during masonry and demolition work.

Leveling dust: Sanding and leveling work are usually the worst sources of dust on construction sites. Leveling dust is generated during leveling work on walls, ceilings and floors when sanding it. Leveling dust is also exposed during the preparation of the leveling compound from dry matter and during cleaning. The adverse effects of leveling dust depend to a large extent on the composition and roughness of the leveling compound. Existing grinders can utilize target removal to reduce dust. In addition, personal protection is very important.

Wood dust: In addition to concrete and quartz dust, wood dust is a significant type of dust found on construction sites. Wood dust can be exposed at several stages of construction, such as sawing materials, installing and sanding parquet floors. Cleaners are also exposed to wood dust in their work. Typical health effects of wood dust include cough and lung irritation, eye irritation symptoms and conjunctivitis, various skin symptoms, chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, asthma, and prolonged rhinitis. In the extreme case, individuals exposed to wood dust have a multiple risk of developing sinus cancer. Saws, grinders and other tools with target removal should be used when sawing wood and boards. When sanding wooden floors or parquets, machines with target removal are usually used. In addition, respirators are recommended.

EFFECTS OF DUST