Chapter 3 – Dust Generating Activities

Generally, high energy, dry processes create the most dust. But they aren’t the only ones. RCS dust can occur in a variety of ways when working around the house or in a mobile workplace.

Find below some key tips on how to manage dust generation with some of the common processes found in home-improvement or repair situations. For more information, you can always reference the IMA-Europe DIY Without Dust website!

Make sure you read them all before you move on!

• Tips for High Energy Processes: Cutting, Polishing & Sanding, Drilling, and Sawing

  • Ventilate the room as much as possible: open windows – whenever possible, do these operations outdoors
  • Use wet methods, which prevent fine dust from becoming airborne by trapping it in water
  • If you must work in dry conditions, it is important to vacuum the dust at source
  • Ensure that your tool has the facility to connect a dust extraction unit (which can be a separate one or integrated one)
  • Ensure that your extraction unit always works correctly
  • Use a face mask to prevent dust being inhaled, preferably with a protection factor FFP 2 or 3 if available
  • DO NOT do these activities in enclosed, unventilated spaces with no PPE

  

  

  

  

• Tips for Low-Energy Processes: Emptying Bags, Mixing Materials, Spray Painting

  • Do this operation outdoors as far as possible or ventilate the room in which you are operating: open the windows
  • Pour powders gently and close to the receiving container (e.g. bucket) to avoid the formation of dust. As well as gentle pouring, make sure you’re properly equipped: nowadays, you can find dust extraction attachments for buckets!
  • Favour wet mixes/preparations when possible
  • Spray painting can expose users to fine particles in suspension. Hazardous respirable droplets may be formed when sprayed. Do not breathe spray or mist.
  • Use a face mask to prevent dust being inhaled, preferably with a protection factor FFP 2 or 3 if available.
  • DO NOT do these activities in enclosed, unventilated spaces

  

  

• Tips for Housekeeping and Hygiene: Cleaning After Work and Waste Disposal

  • Use vacuum or wet cleaning methods
  • If you have covered your floor and/or furniture with, for example plastic sheets, remove them with care to avoid new dust generation
  • Dispose of your waste into a large plastic sack
  • When it is full, seal the sack and dispose of it in a suitable waste skip
  • DO NOT let waste sacks overflow, or crush bags – roll them up for disposal
  • DO NOT use a dry brush or compressed air to clean – this will only create more dust
  • DO NOT let deposits of debris or dust to build up – clean regularly