Air pollution has come under the spotlight this month after The Supreme Court ordered the Government to take action on air quality, after its failure to meet legal limits for air pollution.
The Government must submit new air quality plans to the European Commission no later than the end of this year.
While the case was brought in relation to the UK’s failure to comply with EU law for setting limits for NO2 pollution in areas across the UK, it demonstrates the importance of air quality in the political and social agenda.
Industrial and recreational sector-created dust emissions are among the many causes of air pollution.
As such, the benefits of efficient and effective Dust Suppression Systems are proven and manifold.
Unquestionably, the primary benefit is the vital role they play in meeting safety, health and environmental legislation requirements.
Systems not only reduce the impact of air pollution caused by airborne dust – including coal, sand, gravel, stone and that generated through processing industrial and domestic waste – they help safeguard the health of employees and those living in the local community.
Dust Suppression Systems can protect from harmful respiratory diseases, as well as skin and eye irritations, significantly reduce the risk of fire and dust explosions and increase workplace visibility.
Creating a healthier working environment has the added advantage of helping to boost employee morale and productivity.
Working within their various applications, a well-designed Dust Suppression Systems can also:
• Prevent unpleasant odours
• Save money by reducing site maintenance, clean-up costs and equipment wear
• Establish and maintain good community relations
With more than 40 years’ experience, Maddison Water Technology supplies individually-designed Dust Suppression Systems, based around our own successful system, to meet our clients’ specific requirements.
There is a multitude of applications, within both the industrial and recreational sectors, and typical examples include:
Quarries
Dust control for quarry operators remains an important issue, with many opportunities for airborne dust during the blasting, crushing, screening and transportation processes.
Legislation and local planning regulations require dust suppression for the benefit of workers and those living in the local community.
Coal Yards and Dust Mounds
Suppressing coal dust emissions is vital to worker safety due to the possibility of coal dust explosions and also reduces the cost of maintaining material handling equipment.
While clouds of fugitive coal dust, whipped up by the wind during loading and unloading shipments, may not exceed air quality standards they can create a nuisance for nearby businesses and residents.
Emissions from dust mounds are equally detrimental.
Haul Roads
A dust-free haul road results in increased workplace safety, including better driver visibility, and is a money-saving initiative as it extends the life of vehicle tyres.
Domestic and Industrial Waste and Recycling Centres
Any industry processing waste materials and handling fine organic dusts are at significant risk from fire or explosion.
Nuisance dust also creates an unpleasant working environment and health hazard for employees alongside housekeeping issues.
Construction and Demolition Sites
Dust pollution from demolition and construction sites can impact on the health and quality of life of builders and contractors as well as residents living nearby.
Horse Riding Arenas, Riding Schools and Stables
Dust particles emitted in indoor and outdoor arenas, manèges, pens, walkers and stables can enter the respiratory system of not only the animals but their human trainers, riders and instructors.
These same issues affect greyhound racing track dogs and workers.
