Safety

Construction Mills - Dust Control Recommendations

A print version of this information is available here.

This resource addresses workplace safety concerns cited by IATSE 891 members

In Spring 2022, IATSE 891 engaged Aura Health and Safety Corporation and Ventilation Engineer Ed Chessor to meet with members of its Construction Department Task Force to discuss, identify and work to address ongoing health and safety concerns common in Film and TV Production Workplaces.

Concern: Crew carpenters are exposed to hazards including dust particles and noise

Dust exposure can lead to respiratory health effects including asthma, scarring of the lungs and cancer. Long-term exposure to high levels of noise can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.

Find in this document guidance on equipment known to reduce dust exposure

Local exhaust ventilation controls can effectively control much of the dust hazard. This guide provides advice on equipment proven to help reduce dust exposure without contributing substantially to existing noise levels in the shop.

DISCLAIMER: This resource is provided by IATSE 891 for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility of users to ensure that their controls and safeguards comply with applicable standards and guidelines e.g., Workers’ Compensation Act, and related Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, BC Fire Code, BC Building Code, BC Electrical Code, and Technical Safety BC.

Table 1 – Recommended Equipment

Find below the dust control equipment that should accompany construction mill equipment to reduce harm from exposure to dust particles. NOTE: Dust collectors with more than the HP indicated are acceptable as well as HEPA filtration, but HEPA filters would require more frequent replacement.


    Construction Mill:
    Overall Shop    		Dust Control Equipment
    • Air Cleaners (Minimum 4)

    Specs: 1200 CFM/each
    Location: Suspended 10-15 feet above floor
    Construction Mill Equipment:
    Table Saw    		 Dust Control Equipment
    • Modern saw with shroud under blade
    • Dust Collector
    • One Micron Canister Filter
    • Overarm Dust Collector Blade Guard
    Note: Older saws should be replaced
    Specs: At minimum 1.5 HP/each equipped with One Micron Canister Filter Location: Connected to the shroud fitted close under the blade and an overarm dust collection blade guard
    Construction Mill Equipment:
    Jointer or Planer    		 Dust Control Equipment
    • Dust Collector
    • One Micron Canister Filter
    Specs: At minimum 1 HP equipped with One Micron Canister Filter Location: At each jointer
    Construction Mill Equipment:
    Belt or Disc Sander    		 Dust Control Equipment
    • Dust Collector
    • One Micron Canister Filter
    Note: Sanders that lack close fitting shrouds around the disc and belt should be replaced
    Specs: Smaller size of sander - 1 HP Larger size (10 inch or large disc) - 1.5 HP Equipped with One Micron Canister Filter Location: At each belt or disc sander
    Construction Mill Equipment:
    Router    		 Dust Control Equipment
    • Dust Collector
    • One Micron Canister Filter
    Specs: At minimum 1.5 HP equipped with One Micron Canister Filter Location: At router fence and under the table
    Construction Mill Equipment:
    Bandsaw    		 Dust Control Equipment
    • Dust Collector
    • One Micron Canister Filter
    Specs: Up to 14 inch – 1 HP; Larger - 1.5 HP, equipped with One Micron Canister Filter Location: At underside of table and bottom wheel
    Construction Mill Equipment:
    Cut-Off Saw, Mitre Saw, Compound Mitre Saw    		 Dust Control Equipment
    • Pre-Separator
    • Vacuum Cleaner
    • One Micron Canister Filter
    Specs: Connect to blade guard, vacuum cleaner with One Micron Canister Filter and exhaust at 80 CFM
    Construction Mill Equipment:
    Cut-Off Saw (without dust exhaust connection on blade guard)    		 Dust Control Equipment
    • Receiving hood behind saw
    • Dust Collector
    • One Micron Canister Filter
    Specs: At minimum 1 HP, equipped with One Micron Canister Filter

    Table 2 - Stores who Stock Recommended Dust Control Equipment Sources

    Below find cost estimates as of November 2022 and links to some stores with dust control equipment available. Important: This is not an exhaustive list, nor a specific vendor endorsement.

    Air Cleaners
    (~$300-$900)
    Dust Collector
    (~$500 to $1,300)
    One Micron Filter Canister
    (~$400)
    HEPA Filter
    (~$400-$700)
    Overarm Dust Collector Blade Guard
    (~$500)    		Note: There is the overarm dust collector itself PLUS the plastic blade guard.
    Vacuum Cleaner
    (~$200-$500)    		Tip: Insert another vacuum bag inside the rigid vacuum cleaner to extend life of the blue vacuum filter.

    ISSUED: January 18, 2023
    DISCLAIMER: This resource is provided by IATSE 891 for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility of users to ensure that their controls comply with applicable standards and guidelines e.g., building and fire codes as well as occupational health and safety regulations.