Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Dust Contamination When Drilling

Carlos Bowman

Sometimes, when drilling, the dust that is generated can be harmful, and steps must then be taken to mitigate this risk. The dust particles can be harmful both to humans and also to the environment. Even when the dust is not harmful, it can create an uncomfortable working environment and can harm machinery. However, there are a few methods that can be used to minimize the risk of hazardous dust.

Test the Air

Learn about the material you will be drilling in. When you know the potential contaminants that can be released into the air, such as silica, you can then use equipment to monitor the air to make sure that it is still safe. Even when taking safety precautions, you will need to know if the air is becoming unsafe to breathe.

Use Dust Curtains

Dust containment is accomplished with a dust curtain that is used to surround the area where dust is a problem. Any material can be used as long as it creates a seal without large gaps.

Implement a Spray System

Spray heads that release a mixture of air and water can suppress the dust. The spray heads are mounted to a portion of the drill to make sure that the dust does not travel upward during the drilling process. Wet systems are sometimes not recommended because they can freeze in the winter. Also, wet systems cannot be used nearby electrical sources. However, the dust-powered system often needs a lot of maintenance and those changing the filters need to wear respirators to protect themselves.

Install a Dry Collection System

Dry collection systems rely on fans to create negative pressure that sucks dust away from the location where drilling is occurring. Talk with a place like D W Jensen Drilling Ltd ice roads building grande prairie for more information on dust compaction.

Have Workers Use Respirators

When it is not possible to bring dust levels to acceptable levels, the best approach is to then rely on respiratory protection to prevent dust from being inhaled.

Construct Plant Away from Wind

Dust management is not only necessary when drilling, but throughout many of the other stages of the process. For example, extracted material from the hole must be taken a plant and this process can sometimes lead to the dust being released into the air and becoming a human health or environmental hazard. The plant where the materials must be taken to should be constructed in a location that is the least exposed to winds. The best time to drill is when there are not a lot of winds to disperse the dust into the air.  


Share