Construction-related fields like remodeling, renovation, demolition, and restoration need to be concerned with construction dust containment. Since 2017, OSHA has required construction employers to limit their employees’ exposure to respiratory silica dust.
Respiratory silica dust is emitted into the air when construction workers drill into crystalline silica-containing materials (concrete, stone, and mortar). Workers breathe in the minute particle dust that has the potential to cause lung damage over time.
Along with dust containment solutions like ventilation and wet methods for cutting and sawing (as explained on the OSHA website), ZipWall and Poly America products help with dust protection. Let’s take a closer look at the dust protection products from these companies.
ZipWall’s Dust Containment Solutions
ZipWall manufactures several items that you can use to contain dust in a smaller area. The solution consists of plastic sheeting (or reusable panels) held in place with poles and rails.
The poles and rails brace sheeting tightly in place against the ceiling, floor, and walls, which limits dust exposure to other workers. Here’s a summary of the key pieces of ZipWall’s construction dust containment solutions:
ZipPoles
ZipPoles are braced every ten feet between the ceiling and floor to hold the sheeting in place. They are spring-loaded and extendible to achieve a very tight fit. Different pole lengths (10, 12, or 20 feet) accommodate different ceiling heights.
FoamRail Spans
Install spans between ZipPoles horizontally (at the ceiling and floor) and vertically (along walls). This helps to form a tapeless seal all around the dust containment barrier.
Spans are available in the following widths:
- 2’3” to 4’ (expandable)
- 3’ (wall mount kit)
- 4’ (as a 2-pack)
- 4’ 3” to 8’ (expandable)
Note: Use the FoamRail Spans with the ZipWall SideClamps or SideBridges along the sides to make a secure seal.
Heavy-Duty Zippers
To create a door in a dust barrier wall, attach the length of the two heavy-duty zippers, beginning at the floor. Keep the zippers parallel to each other and about 3 feet apart. Affix the zippers to the barrier material with the self-adhesive and use a special ZipWall cutting device to cut slits behind each zipper.
Magnetic Door Kit
Use the magnetic door kit to cover up an entryway that doesn’t have a door (or create an entry in a plastic barrier). It has a single opening for people to pass through, but it remains closed with sewn-in self-closing magnets.
Protect Equipment and Tools from Silica Dust
Dust containment solutions can help extend the life of your equipment and tools. Flying dust can settle on greased areas and cause damage over time.
Poly-America Sheeting for Construction Dust Containment
The Poly-America company manufacturers several different types of plastic sheeting that work well for dust containment:
- 4ml 9 feet 4 inches x 100 feet (fire retardant)
- 4ml 10 feet x 100 feet (fire retardant)
- 4ml 20 feet x 100 feet
- 6ml 20 by 100 feet
Any thickness of plastic sheeting will contain dust, and it may be tempting to buy something thinner at a lower cost. However, the thicker 4ml and 6ml will stand up better to the activity around a job site.
Get Quick Quotes on Dust Protection Products
Visit our website to learn more about dust containment products like dust collection systems. While you’re there, look at other types of sheeting and tarp that can make your jobs easier.
By containing dust in a smaller area, dust protection products can help keep workers safe and prevent damage to your equipment and tools. Another benefit is that you’ll have less cleanup and happier clients. Pro Tool would be glad to provide you with a quote for ZipWall or Poly-America sheeting!
