Dust from demolition
or construction sites
Dust from demolition and
construction work can also damage health and impact upon quality of
life by leaving deposits on cars, windows and property.
These impacts can be reduced through using measures
such as:
- Using water sprays or sprinklers to suppress dust
during dust generating activities such as filling skips, breakout
of concrete and managing stockpiles.
- Washing the wheels of vehicles leaving the site if they are
carrying mud or debris.
- Erecting solid barriers to the site boundary.
- Ensuring that lorries leaving the site carrying debris of waste
are properly covered.
- Cleaning the road and footpath near the site entrance as
required.
- Where disk cutters are to be used they should have a dust bag,
have water suppression or the working area should be wet prior to
use of the machinery.
Where demolition or construction is due to occur over greater
than one week, Public Protection recommends that the contractor
should follow guidance in the GLA's 'Best Practice Guide for Dust',
which details the identification of dust generating activities,
their location, duration and the means by which the dust shall be
suppressed. This GLA document is seen as the most comprehensive
dust management protocol. Contractors should be aware of its
details regarding the efficient management of dust and particulates
on site
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, dust from a
demolition or construction site may, like smoke, be a statutory
nuisance. As is the case with smoke, the Local Authority may serve
an Abatement Notice on the person responsible and take legal
proceedings if the notice is not complied with.
Detailed guidance on dust issues relating to construction sites
can be found in the Building Research Establishment documents,
'Control of dust from construction activities'
and 'Improving air quality in urban environments: Guidance for the
construction industry'.