Industrial sites see a lot of movement throughout the working day. Between general foot traffic, the operation of machinery and the management of stock, dust particles can build up significantly. This is more than just an aesthetic nuisance, as it can really start to get in the way of smooth operations, clogging up machinery, damaging electronics and presenting a distinct respiratory health risk to employees. Proper dust control systems are essential.
If you’re looking to optimise storage facilities, improve loading dock operations or keep a manufacturing site running smoothly, dust isn’t something you can ignore. This article will put the spotlight on control solutions, such as PVC strip curtains, air filtration installations and cleaning procedures, among others so you can control the dust in your workplace.
Setting up a core defence layer with PVC strip curtains
PVC strip curtains are some of the most essential installations when it comes to dust control in an industrial setting. If solid doors are left open, dust can easily travel through air currents and spread around a workplace. Strip curtains part briefly but still operate as particulate barriers, without the need for long-term door openings.
In fast-moving workplaces, people need to be able to access different spaces without interruption, especially if pushing stock, carrying heavy loads or moving machinery. That’s why curtains should be positioned around external bay doors and for internal micro-environments, such as where electronics or pharmaceuticals are stored.
Proper air filtration and HVAC systems
Industrial air filtration systems are important for ensuring air quality regulatory compliance. Larger commercial sites and industrial storage facilities should integrate these systems into their central HVAC infrastructure, as this will allow for immense levels of air processing over a large footprint.
- Pleated, bag or HEPA technology should be used for the capture of heavy particulates in sites like woodworking facilities.
- Activated carbon filters use porous carbon to absorb chemical fumes, VOCs and foul odours in the air.
- Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) charge and collect fine particulate matter, such as oil mists and smoke, using magnetic force.
Make sure you choose a suitable filtration system depending on the nature of your workplace.
Strategic cleaning and flooring choices for dust control
Along with barriers and air filtration, something as simple as taking time to clean up storage spaces and working areas will also make a huge difference. And it can be approached in both wrong and right ways. For example, things like swapping out the standard dry sweep for an industrial floor scrubber will make all the difference.
With that in mind, it only makes sense for the floors in an industrial site to be better suited to proper cleaning. Sealing concrete floors with epoxy or polyurethane coatings help to prevent concrete dusting over time.
The dangers of improper dust control
Dust control isn’t about keeping a place clean and tidy. It’s about protecting your workplace and your staff in the long term.
Health complications of dust exposure include:
- Respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Cancer complications
- Immediate workplace irritation
Technological and workplace risks include:
- Certain dusts starting catastrophic fires
- Machinery components getting clogged and failing faster
- DIfferent areas of a workplace becoming cross-contaminated
And on top of all of this, uncontrolled dust can also have an impact on the broader surrounding environment, meaning the problems don’t start and finish inside your workplace.
Do not compromise on industrial dust control
As you can see, the impacts of lacking dust control can be significant, which is why it’s important to properly install sufficient systems, ranging from curtains to proper air management technology. Don’t let something as tiny as dust pile up and buckle your operation!
