Industrial Dust Control in Manufacturing Facilities

Industrial dust control helps manufacturing facilities capture and manage airborne dust, fumes and particulates produced during processes such as metalworking, welding, grinding and sandblasting. Effective dust control supports cleaner air, safer working conditions and more efficient facility operations.

The right approach depends on the type and amount of particulate being generated. Housekeeping and ventilation can address some conditions, while higher dust loads often require an industrial dust collection system designed to capture contaminants at or near the source. Below, we cover when industrial dust control is needed and three common ways manufacturers can manage dust.

When does a manufacturing facility need industrial dust control?

Manufacturing facilities need industrial dust control when production processes generate dust, smoke or fumes that affect air quality, working conditions or facility cleanliness. The appropriate control method depends on the material, process, facility size and amount of particulate being generated.

Not every application requires the same industrial dust collection system. However, facilities generating significant amounts of airborne particulates need a method for capturing, ventilating or filtering contaminants before they spread throughout the working environment.

• Stainless steel
• Aluminum
• Plastics
• Sandblasting – the crystal and silica makeup can severely damage lungs
• Welding – especially plated or galvanized materials like chrome
• Organic materials that can cause airborne mold or fungus
• Petroleum-based products or other flammables

As a rule of thumb, we say that if there’s enough particulate in the air to change the color of surfaces in your workplace, you need to address your dust output. Depending on the quantity and characteristics of the particulate, basic cleaning measures may not be enough, and a dedicated dust collection system may be necessary.

What are the risks of not managing dust?

Poor industrial dust control can contribute to employee exposure, poor air quality, increased housekeeping demands and regulatory concerns. Some types of combustible dust can also create fire or explosion hazards when allowed to accumulate. You’re also risking citations from OSHA, which can be quite costly to your bottom line and your company’s reputation.

Other hazards to consider are that some types of dust are combustible or fugitive, meaning if not cleaned properly, they can cause a fire or explosion.

It's critical to manage your dust to avoid these negative outcomes from taking place. Here are three different ways for you to approach the situation.

Three industrial dust control methods for manufacturing facilities

1. Housekeeping

Regular housekeeping prevents dust from accumulating on floors, equipment and other surfaces. Facilities should establish cleaning procedures based on the type and amount of dust generated by their processes. PPE, including appropriate respiratory and eye protection, may also be required depending on the application and exposure risk. Housekeeping and PPE are important parts of a dust control program, but they do not replace engineering controls when airborne dust needs to be captured at the source.

2. Ventilation

Ventilation helps control airborne dust and fumes by moving contaminated air away from the working area. The appropriate ventilation system depends on the process, contaminant and facility requirements. Simply exhausting contaminated air outdoors may not be appropriate when emissions require filtration or other controls, so facilities need to consider both indoor air quality and applicable environmental requirements.

3. Industrial Dust Collection systems

For processes that continuously generate airborne particulate, an industrial dust collection system provides a more controlled method of capturing and filtering contaminants. Dust collectors can capture dust and fumes at or near the source and move contaminated air through a filtration system before clean air is exhausted or returned according to the system design.

A.C.T. offers industrial dust collectors for a range of manufacturing applications, including cartridge and baghouse systems. The appropriate collector, cartridge filters, airflow and system configuration depend on the process and characteristics of the dust being collected.

Improve Industrial Dust Control in Your Manufacturing Facility

Effective industrial dust control starts with understanding what your process generates and selecting the appropriate method for controlling it. Housekeeping and ventilation play important roles, but facilities with ongoing dust and fume generation may require a dedicated dust collection system.

If basic dust control methods are no longer keeping up with your application, contact A.C.T. Dust Collectors. Our team can help evaluate your application and determine the appropriate dust collection system for your facility.