Find the Best Dust Suppression Services Near You

1. Prevent generation of dust (in preference to managing dust when it happens)
2. Manage the project schedule to minimise land clearing in drier months
3. Pave and water haul roads
4. Water areas around haul roads
5. Ensure smooth surfaces are deep ripped and left rough and cloddy to reduce wind velocity
6. Construction wind fences
7. Never have access to less than 2,000 litres of water on your site
8. Manage contaminated runoff
9. Manage your stockpiles and batters

Find out more in the blog to help keep dust under control.

Dust suppression refers to the methods and techniques used to control and reduce airborne dust particles on construction sites, mining operations, and other industrial activities. The primary goal is to maintain air quality, visibility, and safety for workers and nearby communities. Common dust suppression methods include water spraying, chemical suppressants, and mechanical techniques like sweeping and vacuuming. Effective dust suppression is essential for complying with environmental regulations and preventing respiratory health issues.

The best dust suppressant depends on the site's specific conditions and requirements. Water is a commonly used and cost-effective dust suppressant, especially for temporary control. However, for longer-lasting and more effective solutions, chemical suppressants such as magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and lignin sulfonate are often preferred. These chemicals bind dust particles together, reducing their ability to become airborne. The choice of suppressant should consider factors like site conditions, environmental impact, and cost.

The best way to stop dust is to use a combination of methods tailored to the site’s needs. Regular water spraying is effective for immediate dust control, while chemical suppressants provide longer-lasting results. Additionally, applying gravel or mulch to exposed soil surfaces can significantly reduce dust generation. Implementing dust barriers, such as windbreaks or fencing, can also help prevent dust from spreading. Combining these methods ensures comprehensive dust control.

Mining operations often require robust dust suppression systems to handle large volumes of dust. Common systems include water spray systems, which use high-pressure nozzles to mist water over dusty areas. Chemical dust suppressants are also widely used, applied via spray trucks or fixed systems. Fog cannons are another effective solution, generating fine water droplets that capture dust particles in the air. These systems are designed to work in harsh mining environments and can be tailored to specific dust control needs.

Mitigating dust in construction involves several strategies to control dust at the source and prevent it from becoming airborne. Regularly spraying water on dusty areas and using dust suppressants are effective methods. Covering materials and stockpiles with tarps or plastic sheets can reduce dust generation. Implementing wheel wash systems and rumble grids at site entrances and exits helps to prevent dust from spreading beyond the site. Using vacuum trucks and sweepers to clean paved surfaces further minimises dust.

The fastest way to get rid of construction dust is to use a combination of immediate and effective methods. High-pressure water spraying can quickly dampen dusty areas, reducing airborne dust immediately. For indoor environments, using industrial vacuums with HEPA filters is highly effective at capturing fine dust particles. Additionally, deploying air scrubbers or purifiers can help to clean the air rapidly. For ongoing dust control, maintaining a regular schedule of dust suppression activities is crucial.

Dust suppression costs vary depending on the method, area size, and frequency of application. Simple treatments are inexpensive, while large-scale automated systems involve significant investment.

Typical Dust Suppression Costs

• Chemical or liquid treatments: Around A$2 per m² for road applications; plant-based suppressants in 5 L containers cost ~A$220, and 200 L drums ~A$1,880.
• Road-specific programs: Approximately A$414 per 100 m for unsealed roads in community-funded schemes.
• Large-scale systems: For extensive sites (e.g., 50,000 sq ft), costs range from A$15,000 for regular watering, A$65,000 for chemical suppressants, up to A$1,000,000 for automated dust control systems.

Final costs depend on project scale, chosen method, application frequency, and ongoing maintenance requirements.

Dust suppression uses a combination of water, chemical, and physical methods to control airborne particles across construction, mining, agriculture, and industrial sites. The chosen method depends on site conditions, dust source, and environmental considerations.

Common Dust Suppression Methods

• Water-based: Spraying with water trucks, mist cannons, or hydromulching to keep dust particles heavy and reduce wind dispersion.
• Chemical suppressants: Chloride salts, polymer emulsions, or plant-based products that bind dust particles for longer-lasting control.
• Physical and engineering controls: Barriers, tarps, enclosures, vegetative cover, and ventilation systems to capture or contain dust at the source.
• Surface treatments: Gravel stabilisers or hydroseeding to minimise soil disturbance and wind erosion.

Often, multiple methods are combined to achieve effective dust control while maintaining environmental compliance and site safety.

Yes, dust suppression is often legally required in industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing to protect workers, the public, and the environment. Regulations typically mandate controls to minimise airborne dust, particularly hazardous dust like respirable crystalline silica.

Key Regulatory Considerations

• Worker safety: Employers must use dust suppression methods to keep worker exposure below occupational exposure limits (OELs).
• Environmental protection: Agencies require dust control to prevent impacts on nearby communities, waterways, and ecosystems, using the “best practicable means” of control.
• Hierarchy of controls: Regulations prioritise eliminating or substituting hazards first, then engineering controls (e.g., water sprays), followed by administrative measures and PPE.
• Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal action, site shutdowns, and reputational damage.

Compliance requires risk assessments, site-specific dust control measures, and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.

The frequency of dust suppression depends on the method used, site conditions, and environmental factors. Water-based suppression often requires multiple applications per day, while chemical or polymer-based suppressants can last 6–12 weeks or an entire dry season.

Factors Influencing Application Frequency

• Traffic volume and speed: High-traffic areas need more frequent treatment.
• Weather conditions: Hot, dry periods accelerate evaporation; occasional rain can help reactive some chemical suppressants.
• Material type: Soil composition and particle size affect how long suppressants remain effective.
• Operational activities: Construction, demolition, or mining sites may require daily monitoring and reapplication during dust-generating work.

A site-specific monitoring program ensures dust control is effective, maintains compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and minimises airborne dust hazards.

Several chemicals are commonly used for dust suppression, chosen based on site conditions, climate, and material type.

Common Dust Suppression Chemicals

• Chloride salts: Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride attract moisture from the air to bind dust particles, commonly used on unsealed roads.
• Polymers and synthetic formulations: Create a durable layer that holds dust on stockpiles or surfaces; includes sodium silicates and polysaccharides.
• Organic-based products: Lignosulfonates (from wood pulp) and vegetable oils, biodegradable options for construction or agricultural sites.
• Petroleum-based products: Mineral oils and refined petroleum distillates, used in arenas or industrial sites.
• Bitumen emulsions: Serve as binders to control dust on roads and high-traffic areas.

The most suitable chemical depends on environmental considerations, rainfall, traffic, and the type of surface requiring dust control.