Dust exposure arises whenever mineral, metallic, or organic particles are released from components, rock, or coatings and dispersed in the air. On construction sites, in concrete demolition, in gutting works, and in rock excavation, it is a defining topic for occupational safety and environmental protection. Hydraulic methods and tools from Darda GmbH—such as concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters—can, in many applications, reduce particle formation because they separate material without high-speed abrasive removal. However, the decisive factor remains the combination of method, planning, dust extraction, the use of water, and organization.
Definition: What is meant by dust exposure
Dust exposure is the concentration of airborne particles in a work or surrounding area over a defined time period. Both particle size (inhalable vs. respirable) and composition are relevant. In concrete demolition and in natural stone extraction, mineral dusts with quartz content are in focus. In gutting works, additional fiber and coating dusts may occur. Dust exposure depends on the method: grinding, dry cutting, and chiseling typically generate more fine dust than hydraulic splitting or breaking with shears.
Causes and typical sources of construction-site dust
Dust is generated when material is mechanically removed, fractured, or thermally processed. The higher the energy input per area and the drier the material, the greater the emission. Abrasive cutting and grinding processes release primarily fine dust, whereas fracture-based methods produce larger fragments and emit fewer fine particles.
Health effects and protection principles
Fine and respirable particles can penetrate deep into the lungs. Mineral fine dusts, especially those containing quartz, are considered particularly critical. General precautionary principles therefore aim to minimize generation, capture at the source, and protect workers. Legal requirements and limit values are country-specific; they should be considered early in the project and reviewed regularly.
Low-dust methods and tool selection
Selecting low-dust methods is the most effective lever. Hydraulic solutions rely on controlled splitting and fracture mechanics rather than abrasive removal.
Hydraulic splitting and shears instead of abrasive removal
- Rock and concrete splitters: Generate defined cracks and detach components in a targeted manner. Material removal by friction is eliminated; fine dust generation is generally lower than with dry cutting and grinding.
- Concrete demolition shear: Crush components through compressive and shear forces. They remove material by fracture, not by chip-forming processes with high frictional heat.
- Combination shears and Multi Cutters: When separating profiles, utilities, or composite components, predominantly coarser break material is produced; mineral fine dust mainly arises when concrete is involved.
- Steel shear and cutting torch: When cutting metal, dust is less of a focus than sparks, fumes, and aerosols; the dust issue is smaller than with mineral materials.
Process-related dust reduction
- Work wet: Water binds particles directly at the source. With shears and splitters, moderate wetting of separation joints, breakout points, or core drillings is often sufficient.
- Capture at the source: Point dust extraction with suitable filters near the fracture zone significantly lowers background concentrations.
- Containment: Dust-tight partitions and negative pressure limit spread in sensitive areas during gutting works.
- Material logistics: Short distances, low-dust handling, moist bulk transfers, and clean transport containers prevent secondary emissions.
- Cleaning regime: Wet sweeping and regularly binding residual dusts are more effective than dry sweeping.
Influencing factors: material, environment, approach
Dust release is determined by several factors. Moist concrete generates less dust than dry. High strength classes and quartz-rich rocks produce more fine dust with abrasive methods. In confined spaces, tunnels, and shafts, dust accumulates more quickly if ventilation is inadequate. A stepwise, controlled approach with concrete demolition shears and rock and concrete splitters reduces peak loads compared to impact-intensive methods.
Parameters that can be optimized
- Pre-treatment with core drilling for targeted placement of splitting cylinders or shears
- Keeping joints, breakout edges, and bulk material moist
- Low rotational speed/low friction work on supplementary separation cuts
- Continuous dust extraction with sufficient air volume flow
- Ordered crushing and sequencing to minimize secondary breakage
Dust exposure in application areas
Concrete demolition and special demolition
Here, mineral fine dust from concrete, mortar, and screeds predominates. Concrete demolition shear is suitable for sequential, controlled crushing. Rock and concrete splitters support the separation of massive components without large-scale grinding or dry cutting. In addition, dust extraction, water application, and protective enclosures are crucial.
Gutting works and cutting
When removing interior fit-out, mixed dusts from plaster, board materials, and coatings occur. Low-dust approaches with hydraulic shears, precise pre-drilling, and limited, wet separation cuts reduce particle load. For metal separations with steel shear and Multi Cutters, controlling sparks and aerosols is the priority; mineral dust is less prevalent.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
In rock excavation, quartz-bearing dust is critical. Hydraulic splitting limits fine dust formation compared to dry drilling and milling. Underground, effective ventilation, water mist, and continuous capture are essential. Crushing with shears can further reduce emissions when mechanical impact work is minimized.
Natural stone extraction
When loosening and dimensioning blocks, rock wedge splitter and concrete splitter reduce the need for large-scale grinding or sawing. The result is smaller dust plumes and better visibility in the extraction area. Moisture control and orderly logistics prevent secondary dust on access roads and storage areas.
Special applications
In precise deconstruction of sensitive facilities, with restricted access, or in emission-critical environments, a combination of hydraulic splitting, shears, and local dust extraction helps. Cutting torch and steel shear limit the mineral dust component during metal removal; filtration and negative-pressure guidance are important supplements.
Planning, assessment, and monitoring of dust exposure
Dust reduction begins in planning. Methods, sequence, ventilation, and equipment are selected so that fine dust does not arise in the first place or is captured immediately. During execution, measurements with suitable methods help assess exposure and adjust measures. Results should be documented and updated when site conditions change.
Practical steps
- Divide work areas into dust zones and separate material flows
- Method selection: prioritize fracture-based methods (e.g., concrete demolition shears, rock and concrete splitters), minimize abrasive processes
- Size dust extraction and wet systems appropriately and verify functionality
- Organize cleaning and disposal routes to be low-dust
- Regularly evaluate results and adjust measures
Personal protective equipment and training
Technical and organizational measures take precedence. Where residual exposure remains, appropriate respiratory protection is advisable. Selection should be based on task, particle size, and wearing time. Employees are trained in low-dust working methods, in the proper handling of hydraulic power pack and in the safe use of concrete demolition shear, rock and concrete splitters, and other tools. Good training improves work quality and sustainably reduces emissions.
Execution quality and site logistics
Clean, orderly workplaces generate less dust. Short transport routes, moist handling, closed containers, and cleaned traffic surfaces prevent re-entrainment. A finely tuned chain of splitting, crushing, dust extraction, wetting, and haulage logistics keeps exposure low—in building construction, in tunnels, and in the quarry.