{"id":1599,"date":"2018-08-15T14:36:13","date_gmt":"2018-08-15T18:36:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runyonsurfaceprep.wordpress.com\/?p=1599"},"modified":"2023-10-18T16:18:03","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T16:18:03","slug":"what-could-dust-extraction-cost-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.runyonsurfaceprep.com\/what-could-dust-extraction-cost-you\/","title":{"rendered":"What Could Dust Extraction Cost You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dust extraction on a jobsite must be handled carefully, or the mistake could mean steep OSHA penalties.<\/strong>
\nThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) takes airborne and surface-borne dust very seriously because of its severe risks to job site workers and public safety. Every year, more than 2 million construction workers are exposed to materials that contain silica, including concrete and stone.
\nProlonged exposure to silica dust – or even short-term exposure in some cases – can cause a condition called silicosis, which compromises respiration. In affected people, scars form deep within the lungs, limiting the breath and increasing the risk of lung infections like tuberculosis. There is no cure for silicosis.
\nIn 2016, OSHA updated the Crystalline Silica Rule<\/a>, establishing tougher standards for respirable crystalline silica, including an enforcement schedule that\u2019s in effect for construction sites, industrial settings, maritime operations and contractors. The standards are much stricter than those set by OSHA\u2019s original silica rule in the 1970\u2019s.
\nIs your work site in full compliance with the new rule? Here\u2019s why it should be. <\/strong><\/p>\n

How to Manage Dust Extraction the Right Way<\/strong>
\nTo handle crystalline silica dust properly, follow all OSHA standards<\/a> for respirators, exposure limits, engineering controls and other measures that directly affect worker health and safety. Monitor exposure levels and stay within the boundaries of exposure limits: 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air at an 8-hour, time-weighted average.
\nUse a high-quality HEPA vacuum to filter the air and remove airborne particles created by grinding, drilling, mixing, cutting, blasting and other worksite activities. Plan for both wet and dry activities and ensure all workers are fully trained on precautionary procedures in case an emergency arises.
\nPullman Ermator<\/strong><\/a>, maker of single-phase HEPA dust extractors, recently conducted a cost analysis on what bags, filters and labor could cost you for dust extraction over a year. The first is your initial cost, where your choices include 150 CFM and smaller plastic dust vacuums that are HEPA-ready or HEPA-included.<\/p>\n\n\t\t