Cutting concrete generates an enormous amount of dust. And when this dust becomes airborne, the workers inhale it. It leads to serious health issues. Power cutters normally come with preinstalled vacuum systems for collecting dust during work. But they are not entirely
efficient. Tackling the challenges of dust during concrete cutting.
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It becomes essential to use methods that can save you from harmful dust and its hazards. We have seen many queries relating to how to reduce dust when cutting concrete. These methods or techniques keep you and your workspace clean and give your lungs a clean environment during work. Let’s explain some practical and useful methods to reduce dust while cutting concrete for a more comfortable working experience.
Methods for How To Reduce Dust When Cutting Concrete
Here are some methods for reducing dust when cutting concrete. For our readers, we have mentioned those in detail.
- Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment
- Wet Cutting
- Dust Extraction
- Water Suppression
Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Using respiratory protective equipment is one of the most admired methods for protecting your lungs from dust. These protective equipment’s provide additional protection from the dust particles that are airborne and cause substantial damage to your lungs in the long run. In many states wearing respiratory protective equipment before performing any kind of work on concrete is considered essential.
Wet Cutting
The second method on the list is wet cutting. It is also an essential method that needs to be considered before starting any work on dry concrete. Adding water to any of the work may increase the probability of reducing the amount of dust by 85%. Further, water plays a vital role in reducing the overall temperature of the blades that are being used to cut through concrete. The water flowing over the blade during wet cutting assists in cooling and lubricating the blade, minimizing dust and preventing the blade from overheating during usage.
Using a bucket
Another wet cutting method is using a 4-5 gallon bucket. This bucket will allow the users to spill the water on the concrete floor enabling the dust to settle right in the beginning. These method is useful for both a circular saw and a diamond blade. All you have to do is make a hole at the end of the bucket. The hole in the bucket must have a size of 1/4-inch thickness. Now fill the bucket with water and place the bucket near the point you want to work on the concrete.
The water from the bucket starts pouring out on the floor, and you can work with your cutter in his way. The dust blown out of the concrete will be absorbed by the water making a thick paste after some time. Although this practice is very easy and does not consume much time. But this method comes with its own hazards. The main issue with this technique is getting an electrical shock. To avoid
getting the shock, the worker must always ensure his or her protective gear.
Dust Extraction
The third on the list is the dust extraction systems. This method consists of a high-powered vacuum. This vacuum sucks through its air filters, which are fitted on the tip to extract all the dust while cutting through concrete. The most important aspect of the dust extraction
equipment is its design which sucks all the dust effectively.
In the end, the users need to give special attention to the dust collection bags and the filters of this equipment. It is necessary to clean them on a regular basis so that the dust can be collected and the bags are not filled with dust.