With new regulations regarding exposure to crystalline silica dust about to be phased in by OSHA’s Table 1 requirements, E-Z Drill showed its dust collection systems at the World of Concrete. The systems have met OSHA requirements for more than 15 years, the company said.
The vacuum system used the same air compressor as the concrete dowel drill to effectively collect dust directly from the drilled holes and store it in a collector. Customers can purchase the Dust Collection System with any new E-Z Drill model or retrofit it into existing units.
“Our system gives users peace of mind knowing they are complying with the new air quality standards,” said Rick Walstad, E-Z Drill president and CEO. “This system gives concrete construction workers a simple method of meeting Table 1 requirements by OSHA’s deadline.”
E-Z Drill designed the system with a dust boot that mounts to the end of the bit guide, where the bit penetrates the concrete. This allows the vacuum system to take in dust at the closest point possible, maximizing the amount of dust the system captures and reducing operator exposure. It also enhances overall jobsite safety by preventing dust from blowing toward nearby traffic, potentially obstructing drivers’ vision. The system also prevents dust from blowing into nearby water during bridge repairs. Each unit features either a 600- or 900-millimeter filter to effectively trap dust particles.
The Dust Collection System can be used with all E-Z Drill models, from the single- to the five-gang machines, with minimal additional air requirements – 40 to 160 cfm, depending on the model.
