3 Things to Know About Dust Suppression Methods in 2021

From mining to oil and gas, the military to city developers, road builders to project managers, there are plenty of industries that need to consider how to control or manage dust. 

After all, no one should be spending time in a dusty work-site or develop health problems and have safety concerns each time they leave their home for work. In addition to the potential health risks, too much dust can reduce visibility and increase maintenance costs. Not to mention that it also threatens the surrounding environment.

In other words, not managing dust only has adverse implications. Therefore, it is crucial that you stay up-to-date on the latest in dust suppression technology. 

Before you embark on a new project this year, read on for four things you should know about dust suppression methods in 2021.

1. Dust suppression is crucial in a range of projects. 

An area with substantial airborne dust generates significant problems for individuals who spend time there and the surrounding environment. For this reason, dust suppression is crucial. 

Without dust suppression, dust can lead to adverse health and environmental consequences. For example, dust negatively affects air quality, which increases health risks for the surrounding community and destroys crop yields. Additionally, individuals who work onsite are at increased risk for respiratory disease and occupational eye problems due to the fine dust particles. 

Along with affecting workers’ health, dust can slow down project site efficiency and increase safety risks. This is in large part due to poor visibility and ridability of machinery. Additionally, when dust gets inside project equipment, it can quickly damage it, leading to increased maintenance costs. 

Dust suppression is required for all projects that take place on a construction site in order to  protect the surrounding people and environment from airborne particles. Similarly, dust control measures must be implemented during demolition projects. 

Furthermore, dust suppression is a requirement for mining, infrastructure, and farming projects to mitigate threats to health and the environment.

2. Dust suppression technology is the best dust control solution.

In order to effectively and efficiently conduct dust suppression, it is crucial that you utilise dust suppression technology. In some cases, you may be able to dampen down a site with water; however, this method does not deal with fine dust (which is hydrophobic). It also requires significant quantities of water that produces further environmental implications. 

Therefore, the solution is dust suppression technology that includes specially formulated liquid polymer products. These products can be mixed with water and then sprayed over the areas in question. The product will then adhere to the fine dust particles, blocking them from becoming airborne.  

By opting to use these products, you will find that you reduce your dust-related water consumption by more than a half, while also increasing the dust suppression period by five times. Not to mention these products are non-hazardous and environmentally friendly. They are safe for humans, animals and crop production and work even in extreme weather conditions. 

3. There are product solutions suited to specific dust mitigation needs. 

Depending on the project you are working on, you are going to want to find a dust solution that is tailored to your dust mitigation needs. Here are some of the best dust suppression products on the market:

  • GRT: Haul-Loc is ideal if you are looking to increase the efficiency of your water cart operations while also improving safety on your haul roads. This specially formulated liquid polymer has been designed specifically for mining and resource projects. The product can be added to existing site water trucks, tankers, or sprinklers, and then sprayed onto road surfaces. As it binds fine dust particles, GRT: Haul-Loc has proven to boost dust suppression by more than five times
  • GRT: Activate is designed for projects in industries such as quarrying, mining, and road construction (especially if water is scarce).  In fact, GRT: Activate can be applied in a broad range of industries. This product helps to super-activate water that is sprayed during the dust suppression process. By utilizing a product like this, you are able to significantly decrease the amount of water that is required for road construction. 
  • GRT: Activate UG is another product that is easy to apply through existing systems. This product is designed primarily for the coal face; however, it can also be used to control dust that is produced as a result of large mineral stockpiles, conveyors, or other transit projects. Once it is applied, it can super-activate the water to ensure that the airborne particles are quickly coated and forced out of suspension in the air. This, in turn, soaks the coal face and catches fine particles, immobilising runaway dust. When using this product, it will not affect coal-burning properties or alter product quality. 
  • GRT: Wet-Loc is the product you need when nothing else will work. Created from a non-drying and non-setting synthetic fluid, this product is long-lasting and suitable for underground mining roads, race tracks, and areas with heavy damaging traffic. Unlike other products on the market, GRT: Wet-Loc doesn’t require water during application. Additionally, it is non-hazardous, odourless, water resistant, and environmentally friendly. Not to mention that it works immediately and has a non-slip finish making it safe to drive on once it has penetrated the surface. Plus, it is actively re-workable and self-healing.

All of these products offer a selection of cost benefits, including increasing the safety and efficiency of projects as well as decreasing the amount of water required to manage dust. 

By choosing one of these high-quality products, you can be assured that your workers will be protected from the adverse effects of wind-borne particles, your existing systems will be more efficient, and you are helping to mitigate the impact of dust on the surrounding environment and people.

Are you looking to create a site-specific dust mitigation plan to face the challenges confronting your project? What type of dust monitoring services do you think you need? 

Let us know your thoughts and any additional insights in the comments below! 

AUTHOR BIO

Troy Adams is the Managing Director of Global Road Technology, an international engineering technology company in Australia that specialises in engineered solutions for dust suppression, erosion control, soil stabilisation and water management. A pioneering, socially conscious Australian entrepreneur, Troy is passionate about safer, healthier and more cost-effective solutions in the mining and infrastructure sectors and beyond.