Bulk Materials & Ports Dust Control

Bulk materials, such as grains, coal, and minerals, are commonly transported through ports all around the world. While the movement of these materials is essential for global trade, it can also pose significant health and safety risks to workers and the surrounding environment. One of the primary concerns in bulk material handling and port operations is the issue of dust control.

Controlling Dust in Bulk Handling

Dust is a common byproduct of bulk material handling, and it can be hazardous to workers’ health if inhaled. Prolonged exposure to airborne dust particles can cause respiratory problems, including lung disease and cancer. Dust can also pose a fire and explosion hazard if it accumulates in sufficient quantities. To address these concerns, ports and bulk material handling facilities must comply with strict dust control regulations. These regulations often require the implementation of various dust control measures, such as dust suppression systems, enclosed conveyor systems, and ventilation systems. These measures help to minimise the amount of dust that is released into the air during material handling operations. In addition to complying with regulations, port and bulk material handling facilities must also prioritise worker safety by providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers should wear respiratory protection when working in areas with high levels of dust exposure. The PPE should be appropriately fitted to the worker to ensure maximum protection.

Bulk Handling Odour Control

Odour is another issue that can arise in bulk material handling and port operations. Some materials, such as animal feed, can produce unpleasant odours that can be a nuisance to nearby communities. Odours can also pose a health hazard if they contain harmful gases or chemicals.  To control odours, ports and bulk material handling facilities can implement various measures, such as odour neutralisers and containment systems. They can also conduct regular monitoring of odours to identify any potential problems and take corrective action promptly. In addition to complying with regulations and implementing appropriate control measures, ports and bulk material handling facilities must also prioritise communication with nearby communities. This includes providing information about the materials being transported, the potential risks associated with those materials, and the measures being taken to control those risks.

Overall, dust and odour issues are significant concerns in bulk material handling and port operations. To ensure worker safety and compliance with regulations, facilities must implement appropriate control measures, provide appropriate PPE, and prioritise communication with nearby communities. By doing so, they can help to minimise the health and environmental risks associated with these operations.

What We can do for you

Here at Air Spectrum, we manufacture and supply a full range of dust control systems and dust management equipment offering different delivery mechanisms to suit individual environments and dust suppression requirements, to control dust in outdoor, indoor and localised situations.

Dust management equipment hire is available in addition to purchasing options, and we offer mobile applications for easy transportation around site, as well as permanent, fixed installations. Air Spectrum industrial dust suppression misting equipment delivers a high pressure spray of super-fine water vapour to a designated area as a dust control measure. A range of dust control chemical additives – our DST range – are available to enhance the performance of water. We also offer a range of electro-static technology that functions as an air dust cleaner to remove dust from the air. This range does not use water, instead attracting dust which is disposed of inside the system. In addition, we offer quality solutions to any odour complaints of issues using industrial odour control systems both in outdoor and indoor situations, with both mobile and permanent solutions, available for hire or purchase.

In our ODR odour neutraliser range, we remove odours from the air rather than simply temporarily masking them. ODR is dispersed where odour is a nuisance using odour misting systems such as rotary atomisers and nozzle-line fogging systems such as our pacific models.

Air Spectrum offers industrial odour control methods and solutions across a wide range of industries, including odour control for waste management, waste water and anaerobic digestion plants. Want expert advice? Call +44(0) 1905 362 100 or contact our trusted team for an odour or dust assessment.

Services to support our systems

In addition to our range of equipment and chemical additives for fogging/misting, we also offer assessment services via Spectrum Environmental Services, our consultancy branch. Dust & odour impact assessments, Boundary monitoring and Occupational hygiene assessments are just a few off the services we can assist with.