Dust is a Four Letter Word

BY ROBERT D. RICE

For a construction contractor, few four letter words are as dreaded as dust. Every construction site must be concerned with the accumulation of dust and the containment therein. Inadequate dust control precautions will result in problems that can be physically and financially catastrophic. Though weather conditions may arise that may threaten construction site workers as well as the surrounding community, expert professional precautions must be established well in advance of all eventualities. 

Any activity at a construction site causes dust. That includes, but not limited to, on site preparation, vehicle and worker movements, as well as uncovering any stockpiles that may have been hidden before construction began. Unsafe working conditions may result, leading to breathing problems relating to the nose, throat and lungs. This is especially troublesome for individuals with existing breathing difficulties. The resulting health conditions may include all types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD.) including bronchitis, emphysema, silicosis and occupational asthma. 

Dust greatly reduces visibility. This can be in the form of vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns. Property damage to the surrounding community can be widespread and quickly worsen if the construction site dust is not properly contained. The damage may also be environmental — enter the E.P.A. Inadequate dust containment may lead to fines or the construction site being shut down.

Construction companies should alert, not alarm, the community near the construction site, informing businesses and residents that construction activity will soon commence nearby. The letter, addressed to each household and business, should outline the name of the company doing the work, company address and contact telephone numbers, in the event of any problems that may occur as the result of said construction being performed. 

Pre-construction precautionary steps should include: 

1. Limiting cleared areas.
2. Installing physical barriers, (e.g., mesh fences and tarps, emission control blankets and fiber rolls). These devices must be dug fully into the ground to prevent leakage from beneath.
3. Traffic control in and around the site (i.e., use paved roads whenever possible).
4. Diligent care involving earth-moving equipment.
5. Watering vehicles that may use dust suppression and erosion control. Over-watering may lead to soil erosion. 
6. Proper vehicles for soil compaction.
7. Environmental and chemical stabilization. 
8. Daily and post site clean-up, including proper stockpile management,  proper placement of containment filter bags around sewer and drainage  outlets.

These are several courses of actions that the construction company should take to minimize the problems of construction site dust. Failing to adhere to these steps could result in work stoppage and costly litigation incurred by the contractor, the site supervisors, owners and other principals.

1. Geltech Solutions http://www.geltechsolutions.com/soil2o/home.aspx

2. www.eHow.com

3. www.midwestindustries.com

4. www.epa.gov

5. Soils Control International