How to Protect Yourself from Dust During Core Drilling

One of the risks posed by concrete core drilling is dust. Homeowners who would like to conduct drilling activities on their properties need to explore all the available options for managing the risks posed by dust particles during the DIY project. This article discusses some of the measures that you can use to protect yourself during concrete core drilling. 

Dust Collection Equipment The best way to limit the risks posed by dust during core drilling activities is to collect that dust at the point where it is generated. Several core drilling machines are equipped with hoods that can capture the dust as it exits the core. Consider hiring such equipment so that you limit the likelihood of inhaling this dust as you work.

Use Wet Methods Several reasons may make it impractical for you to use equipment with dust collection systems. For instance, such equipment may be too costly for you if you just want to drill one or two cores in order to run wires through a wall. In such a case, you should opt for wet methods of core drilling. Such methods entail using plenty of water or other lubricants to turn the dust into slurry. Such wet methods are very effective in preventing dust particles from becoming airborne.

Have a Particulate Respirator You may be drilling a core in a hazardous environment, such as drilling a core through a wall where electrical wires are running. It is not advisable for you to use wet methods of dust management in such a location. The best alternative in such a case entails wearing an appropriate particulate respirator as you work. Such a respirator will prevent any dust from entering your respiratory system during the project.

Use of Disposable Clothing Dust exposure may still occur in case you leave the work site while wearing the clothes that you had on during the project. The dust that had settled on those clothes can become airborne again as you move. Such dust may find its way into your respiratory system. It is therefore prudent for you to use a set of clothes (disposable, if possible) that you can remove immediately after completing your project so that you don't contaminate other spaces with any dust that may be on the clothes that you had on while you worked.

Airborne contaminants, such as silica dust, pose serious health hazards (silicosis, for example). It is imperative for you to take any measures necessary to protect yourself and other people from such contaminants. Hire core drilling professionals for the project in case you are incapable of taking sufficient safety measures while you undertake the project on your own.  

Share