Hacks To Tackle Dust During Diamond Drilling

Hacks To Tackle Dust During Diamond Drilling

Dust is a significant cause of concern when undertaking any project that involves diamond drilling into materials such as concrete. Several regulations implemented by authoritative bodies check the harmful dust exposure to avoid any occupational hazards to the operators and those in the vicinity. While diamond drilling in London and Kent, we observe big clouds of dust inculcated with all sorts of harmful particles that threaten respiratorily, eye, and skin diseases in the long haul. Crystalline silica is one of the infamous constituents of the dust flying around while cutting concrete which one needs to be wary of and take appropriate precautions against.

Adopt wet diamond drilling as the primary practice

Diamond drilling can either be conducted with or without the use of water. It is recommended to use wet cutting at all times to avoid dealing with the formation of excessive dust. The addition of water to mix is highly effective as it reduces the dust by approximately eighty-five per cent. Another aspect of why water is essential for diamond concrete drilling is that it keeps the temperature of the blade in check. Wet cutting can be incorporated in different ways like hosing it directly into the cutting blade, having continuous water flow pumped directly into the cutting area, spaying a water mist in the air to suppress the dust faster or using water jets and pressurised tanks to release water at regular intervals to counter the dust emissions.

Use certified protective gear for the staff.

As mentioned above, the regulatory bodies have clear guidelines for the aversion of occupational hazards. All the project managers should know the rules and logistically equip their staff with the necessary protective gear. To prevent the inhalation of harmful chemicals and silica particles emitted from the process, high-quality HEPA filter masks should be adorned by the operators to avoid respiratory problems in the future. Safety goggles must also protect the eyes to keep the eyes safe from chipping concrete and dust clouds. Any contact with the procedure without gloves can get the skin in trouble and lead to lesions in the long haul. Therefore, wearing overalls and protective gloves is extremely important while drilling concrete.

Implement dust extraction and adequate ventilation

If the project happens to be indoors, one should take care of having some ventilation mode and other protection methods. Also, the dust can be collected at the source by the provision of efficient exhaust ventilation. Dust extraction implemented with the help of high-powered vacuums that are equipped with specialised filters can be a great tool while cutting, sawing, or drilling concrete. Regularly maintaining the checking of dust collection bags is critical to avoid overfilling and clogging for hygiene and cleanliness. The vacuum system must have a HEPA filter for the segregation of harmful particles. This guarantees a longer-lasting solution for dust-related issues with the help of some engineering controls in place.

Provide regular training sessions

The personnel handling the diamond drilling should be well-trained on how to keep the dust at bay. The training sessions must be conducted regularly to keep the operators updated about the safety standards and how to uphold them at the site. These sessions can comprise an overview of the potential hazards of exposure to concrete dust like silicosis and chronic obstructive lung disease, and the methods used by the supervisor to control the airborne dust exposure. The seminars can educate them on the importance of safety while disposing of the waste material collected after their procedures. Lastly, these sessions are of the essence to let the operators know about personal hygiene when working in proximity to dust, like not eating or smoking in the area and implementing practical activities to limit the exposure to airborne dust.

Lastly, segregate the process of diamond drilling.

It is standard practice to isolate the process of diamond drilling from the operator or other employees using distance, enclosure, or any similar method. It helps to mitigate the effects of the dust produced while working with concrete. It is always better to be mindful of the prevention techniques than having to consider mishaps or accidents.