Cleanup of Demolition Dust, Dirt, Silica, and Particulates

Demolition is a dirty job that can produce layers of dirt, dust, and silica that settle on floors and other flat surfaces. There are various techniques and equipment such as misting cannons, filtration, partitioning, etc., that can be used to minimize demolition dust, but these approaches can seldom eliminate entirely, necessitating vacuuming and/or sweeping. Sweeping compounds are often used to trap and remove all fine dust from floors and prevent respirable silica and other particulates from becoming airborne and resettling, especially during final cleanup.  

Sweeping compounds are powdery, tacky materials that are broadcast over an area that requires sweeping. Dust, dirt, and silica adhere to the compound as the floor is swept, preventing these particles from entering the air. 

There are two basic types of sweeping compounds. Green-colored, water-soluble formulas, and red-colored, oil-based formulas. Damp water-soluble sweeping compounds are generally used for finer floor finishes like marble, stone, tile, vinyl, and coated concrete. Oil-based compounds are often used on concrete surfaces, metal floors, and unfinished wood floors and can sometimes contain sand for the removal of heavy grime. Red sweeping compounds with added sand should never be used for silica cleanup.
 
OSHA issued new silica dust standards in 2017 that allow the use of water-based, grit-free sweeping compounds for the safe removal of silica. R. Baker & Son strictly abides by all OSHA and local regulations regarding broom cleaning and sweeping compounds for removal of dust, dirt, silica, and other particulates to keep indoor air quality safe and protect building occupants and workers. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities of over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746
732-222-3553

https://rbaker.com/index.php