Nigel's Lens - Dust & Fumes

April 6, 2023

Every year, it is believed that over 500 construction workers die from exposure to silica dust.

Definition of Dust and Fumes?

Dust is the collective term for extremely fine solid particles in gases, that are distributed into the air as a result from mechanical processes.

Fumes are gaseous residues of combustion.

Construction dust and fumes are not just a nuisance for workers. These substances are extremely hazardous, and regularly breathing these in can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These diseases cause permanent disabilities, and death.

Construction workers are at very high risk of developing these diseases, because they are working in an environment where high dust and fume levels are created due to common construction tasks such as, chasing concrete, dry sweeping, cutting and sanding wood, scabbling or grinding, use of plant and vehicles on site, and many more.

Please find a selection of Nigel's findings of Poor practice below:

                                                                                                    
 Please find a selection of Nigel's findings of Good practice below: