Demolition, Construction and Dust: What You Need to Know
Did you know? One hour of demolition using a pneumatic tool generates up to 6 kg of dust.
Since October 2020, respirable crystalline silica dust has been added to the list of carcinogenic agents. This type of dust occurs naturally in many rocks (sandstone, granite, sand, etc.) and therefore in many processed materials such as concrete, mortar, and façade coatings.
As early as 2019, MAC3 anticipated this health issue by developing a dust extraction system directly connected to demolition tools. On January 1st, 2021, the fight against dust emissions in demolition took on a new dimension with new regulations to comply with. Here is an overview.
Crystalline silica classified as a carcinogenic agent in France
Since January 1st, 2021, anyone exposed to respirable crystalline silica as part of their professional activity must comply with specific regulations concerning the prevention of CMR agents (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic).
Employers exposing their employees to CMR agents must therefore implement all possible measures to prevent exposure or reduce it to the lowest possible level.
In France, regulations set the Occupational Exposure Limit Value (OEL) for crystalline silica at 0.1 mg/m³ over an 8-hour working period. For comparison, this corresponds approximately to a single human hair in one cubic meter of air.
To meet these recommendations and respond to market needs, MAC3 developed a product that significantly reduces dust emissions during demolition work: a dust extractor for pneumatic tools.
Capturing dust at the source as the solution
One of the main recommendations to reduce crystalline silica emissions is capturing the dust directly at the source. The VDT dust extractor developed by MAC3 offers this solution and can be adapted to all pneumatic demolition tools: jackhammers, breakers, chipping hammers, regardless of the brand.
It is a simple and practical solution. The MAC3 dust extractor fits perfectly between the compressor and the pneumatic tool:
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No need for water or electricity: the extractor operates with compressed air and connects directly to the compressor
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No specific parts linked to a particular compressor or tool brand: the MAC3 extractor is universal
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No large energy requirement: a 2500 L/min compressor is sufficient to operate the extractor coupled with a 20 or 25 kg MAC3 breaker
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No need for heavy and complex equipment: the extractor is lightweight and easy to transport, either by its silencer or its handle
Once the dust has been collected, the container simply needs to be disposed of and replaced for the next use.
The MAC3 dust extractor is equipped with a HEPA filter (meeting OSHA 1926.1153 standards). The filter is washable and protected to ensure a longer service life while maintaining high efficiency.
The purchase and ownership cost of the MAC3 dust extractor becomes negligible compared to the benefits it provides.
This accessory is part of the MAC3 “People Care” approach and offers a practical solution to reduce workers’ exposure to dust.
VDT