Dangers of Dust Inhalation
Dust inhalation is a real problem in the UK. No one should return home from work less healthy than when they left the house that morning. This should be a universally accepted truth. Unfortunately, there are people in many industries who are exposed to dust and other harmful materials and particles.
The recent #WorkRight Campaign launched by the Health and Safety Executive is centred around this issue. As part of their campaign, they will be carrying out surprise inspections on businesses to ensure measures are in place to minimise the risk of dust inhalation to workers.
So why exactly are the HSE taking such strong measures to tackle dust in the workplace?
Risks of Dust Inhalation
Regularly breathing construction dust can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and silicosis. Construction workers have a high risk of developing these diseases because many common construction tasks can create high dust levels.
These diseases cause permanent disability and early death. Over 500 construction workers are believed to die from exposure to silica dust every year. As well as this, research carried out by the Health and Safety Executive estimates that there are 12,000 lung disease deaths every single year that can be attributed to past exposure to silica dust at work.
Obviously these figures are no joke and ought to be treated with real concern. This is why the HSE is acting now, making it a priority to improve the situation. Odour and Dust Solutions are completely on board with the HSE’s new campaign. We believe the safety of workers and the protection of their health should be an employer’s number one priority.
No one should have to endure the ordeal of any respiratory diseases; being exposed to silica dust in your chosen career shouldn’t put you at risk.
Controlling Dust in the Workplace
Controlling dust is difficult but certainly not impossible. There are many great solutions on the market which are highly effective in controlling and suppressing workplace dust particles. There is also machinery that can actively monitor the dust levels in the air.
For example, we can offer a range of different methods to solve the issues plaguing your workplace. From fog cannons to nozzle and atomiser systems. These systems use moisture to attack the dust particles and prevent them from becoming airborne, which is where they are at their most dangerous. We understand the complexities and needs of each individual workplace, and can provide a bespoke solution for any scenario.
Monitoring Dust Levels in the Workplace
Recent developments in technology have allowed us to take the next step in the war against deadly atmospheric dust particles. New to the market, for instance, is the Trolex Air XD Real-Time Dust Monitor utilises lab-grade precision laser technology to continuously measure particulates of multiple sizes in harsh and hazardous environments.
This means you can keep constant tabs on what the current dust levels are in your workplace. The Trolex Air XD is 5 times more accurate than the industry standard. This represents a massive shift in the fight against dust levels in the workplace.
Odour and Dust Solutions can supply all of the previously mentioned equipment and technology. Get in touch with us if you have any questions or would like a quote for any dust control, dust suppression or dust monitoring solutions for your workplace.
01560 480822
