Ways To Stop Dust Produced By Concrete Grinding
If you're wondering why your concrete cutter recommends wet cutting, it's because they prioritize worker safety. The consumption of microscopic hazardous particles is one of the main risks when dry-cutting concrete, mortar, bricks, pavers, tiles, or anything else that includes crystalline silica (quartz).
WHY IS CONCRETE DUST HARMFUL, AND WHAT IS IN IT?
Common construction materials like sand, stone, concrete, plaster, and mortar contain crystalline silica. For example, concrete includes some silicon; anytime workers cut, grind saw, or core concrete, extremely small silica particles are released into the air.
Due to its fineness, silica-containing concrete dust can cause serious lung damage when inhaled. Exposure to concrete dust over an extended period or in high concentrations can result in chronic silicosis and emphysema. These conditions make breathing difficult and lower the quality of life. Occasionally even death.
GRINDING CONCRETE DUST CONTROL TECHNIQUES
There are several techniques to reduce the dust produced when sawing, cutting, coring, grinding, or drilling concrete so that you can work with it continuously, which helps lower the danger of prolonged or intense exposure.
1. WATER SUPPRESSION AND WET CUTTING
As the name implies, wet cutting is crucial since it can lower the quantity of dust produced by up to 85% compared to cutting through dry concrete. The water used during the wet cutting procedure also lowers the diamond blades temperature, keeping it cool and extending its life. Additionally, it eliminates the need for the blade to cool down before cutting when working dry.
WET CUTTING AND WATER SUPPRESSION TECHNIQUES
- While in use, water is hosed directly onto the rotating blade.
- While the saw is used, a constant water supply is pumped directly onto the cutting surface.
- A water mist is sprayed in the air to cause concrete dust to settle more quickly.
- Water jets are utilized to reduce dust emissions by using pressurized tanks with a minimum water content of 8 liters. The recommended standard rate of discharge is 1/2 liter of water per minute.
It is imperative to note that to handle water containment and the collection of concrete slurry with continuous water flows; You must use appropriate procedures and equipment.
2. DUST EXTRACTION
A tool can be equipped with dust extraction devices, such as powerful vacuums with specialized air filters, to help remove dust when cutting, sawing, or drilling.
To successfully capture all the dust, it is crucial to ensure the dust extraction equipment suits the cutting tools being used. In addition, it is crucial to ensure the dust collection bags and filters are frequently emptied, cleaned, and replaced to prevent them from becoming clogged or overfilled.
