Dust Control Techniques For Protecting Respiratory Health In Quarries

Quarry workers face various worrying long-term respiratory health risks arising from the nature of their work. Many of these are directly linked to the handling and processing of materials that generate dust, such as silicosis – a chronic lung disease characterised by scarring and inflammation of lung tissue, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A group of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Long-term exposure to limestone dust inhalation can also weaken the respiratory system, making workers more susceptible to asthma, pneumonia and respiratory infections which increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

To mitigate these health risks, it is essential for quarry operators to implement effective quarry dust control measures, alongside the appropriate PPE and health monitoring.

What Are The Most Effective Quarry Dust Suppression Techniques For Safeguarding Respiratory Health?

Effective quarry dust control methods include encapsulation and dust suppression. Each strategy is designed to minimise the hazards associated with dust inhalation and create a safer working environment. Many quarries are now adopting an integrated dust control solution that simultaneously protects respiratory health and improves productivity by reducing downtime, making their operation more efficient and safer.

These integrated systems may include:

• • High Pressure Misting Systems:

    Implementing high pressure water-based systems at key points, such as quarry conveyor belts, crushers, and stockpiles, can significantly reduce dust levels by capturing and settling airborne particulates.

  • Foam Dust Control Systems:

    When foam dust control systems are used in stockpiles, trailers, and rail wagons to help bind dust particles together and prevent them from becoming airborne. This dust suppression system can be tailored to suit different quarried materials and environmental conditions.

  • Enclosed Conveyors And Equipment:

    Enclosing some of your conveyor systems and quarrying plant can help contain dust within specified areas, making it easier to maintain a clean work environment.

  • Ventilation Improvement:

    Investing in improved ventilation and filtration, particularly in enclosed spaces, can help to reduce the volume of harmful particles in dust-laden air. Equipment used to achieve this includes exhaust fans and active air filtration systems.

  • Dust Collection Machinery:

    Some quarries use dust collection systems, such as cyclones and bag houses to capture and filter dust from the air, lowering the airborne dust concentration in high-risk areas, such as around crushers.

What Next?

At Best Chem, we provide a range of quarry dust control solutions, including misting systems, stockpile encapsulation, rail wagon encapsulation, and tailored misting solutions. To find out more and discover how we can support better respiratory health and your operation, please get in touch with our team today, or call us directly on 01530 272922.