Dust Suppression System for Airborne Silica

BLASTCRETE EQUIPMENT CO. introduced a dust suppression system that limits silica dust exposure in industrial and other (construction, mining) applications. The patent-pending DustAway system consists of a novel bulk bag design that attaches to a mixer to contain dust as the mixer fills. The bag’s dust ruffle encapsulates airborne particles, helping to control respirable dust.

DustAway will help operations meet new OSHA regulations for crystalline silica dust by controlling dust to within OSHA-permissible exposure limits, or PELs, according to the developer.

The new federal OSHA regulations take effect in June 2017 and limit permissible exposure limits to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an eight-hour shift.  

Blastcrete reported DustAway is the first system of its type and will fit securely around mixer openings. The flexibility of the system allows for operators using material packaged in paper bags to convert to small bulk bags to address new OSHA directives.

For larger mixers, operators can work with Blastcrete to design a removable lid that will be available to fill the space where silica dust can escape. DustAway bulk bags are offered in sizes ranging from 500 to 3,000 lbs., and customizable lids are available to fit new and existing mixing machines of most manufacturers’ designs.

“We recognize the challenges our customers are facing in meeting these new standards, and we want to work with them to solve their application challenges. The DustAway is a cost-effective way to meet OSHA’s regulations,” according to Jim Farrell, Blastcrete CEO. “We will work with companies one-on-one to customize a solution.

Blastcrete manufactures refractory and shotcrete mixers and related products. Learn more at www.blastcrete.com