Jackhammer Shroud and Vacuum Dust Control

Jackhammers with LEV capture silica and other construction dust at the source by drawing the dust into a vacuum receptacle.

Description:

Breaking or chipping concrete with jackhammers, also known as pavement breakers, generates a large amount of dust which may contain high levels of crystalline silica and creates a hazard for everyone in the vicinity.  Vacuum dust controls exist for portable jackhammers and pavement breakers. These controls consist of a vacuum, with a disposable filter (a high efficiency particulate air, HEPA, filter is often an option and recommended where practical), attached to a shroud that fits over and partially encloses the bit, or tool. The vacuum draws air and dust from the bit, the point of dust generation, into the shroud where it is transported through tubing and into the vacuum's bag or reservoir.

Environmental Safety Solutions, LLC Enviroboot EB-1

  • Designed to fit most large electric jackhammers or demolition hammers, including Bosch Brute, Hitachi, Wacker and Makita. Custom adaptors are available for other brands.
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Length: 15 inches
  • Diameter: 6 inches at the top hose clamp
  • Vacuum take-off diameter: 2 inches
 
(Photo courtesy of Environmental Safety Solutions)
 
Pullman-Ermator single phase electric dust extractors
  • Filtration: cyclonic separator, coarse filter and HEPA filter capable of removing 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles (the most penetrating size)
  • Sound pressure level: 75 dBA or less (OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit for an 8-hour time-weighted average is 90 dBA)
Models
Air Flow Rates, cubic feet per minute
Static Pressure, inches of water
Dust Collection
Filter Area (coarse/HEPA), square feet**
Horse
power
Power Requirements
Weight, pounds
S1200 118 90 Longopac® bag system* 6.6/9.1 1.7 120 volts, 9.6 amps or 230 volts, 4.4 amps 62
S1300 118 90 3.4 gallons 16/9.1 1.7 120 volts, 9.6 amps or 230 volts, 4.4 amps 62
S2400 235 90 Longopac® bag system* 11/18.34 3.4 120 volts, 19.2 amps or 230 volts, 8.8 amps 62
S2800 235 90 9.8 gallons 11/18 3.5 120 volts, 8.8 amps 99

 
* Longopac® bag system uses a 70 foot long plastic tube that is divided and sealed at the desired length
 
** Greater area allows more time between filter cleaning or replacement
 
(Photo courtesy of Husqvarna AB Construction Division)
 
Pullman-Ermator three phase electric dust extractors
  • Filtration: cyclonic separator, coarse filter and HEPA filter capable of removing 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles
  • Dust collection: Longopac® bag system which uses a 70 foot long plastic tube that is divided and sealed at the desired length
  • Sound pressure level: 75 dBA or less (OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit for an 8-hour time-weighted average is 90 dBA)
Models
Air Flow Rates, cubic feet per minute
Static Pressure, inches of water
Available Hose Diameters, inches
Filter Area (coarse/HEPA), square feet*
Horsepower
Power Requirements
Weight, pounds
T3000 153 125 2 23/6.6 4.8 230 volts, 7.5 amps 183
T3500 188 125 2 or 3 15.1/26.9 4.8 230 volts, 7.5 amps 313
T7500 353 110 2 or 3 24.8/53.8 10.4 230 volts, 24.2 amps 417
T8600 353 110 2 or 3 24.8/53.8 10.4 480 volts, 11.9 amps 439
T12600 647 110 3 41/108 17.4 480 volts, 21 amps 716

 
* Greater area allows more time between filter cleaning or replacement
 
(Photo courtesy of Husqvarna AB Construction Division)
 
Pullman-Ermator cyclonic pre-separators
  • Remove approximately 90 percent of particulate and can be used with Pullman-Ermator or other dust extractors
  • Dust collection: Longopac® bag system which uses a 70 foot long plastic tube that is divided and sealed at the desired length
Models
Inlet Diameter, inches
Weight, pounds
C3000 2 49
C5500 3 130

 
 
(Photo courtesy of Husqvarna AB Construction Division)

 
(Photo courtesy of Husqvarna AB Construction Division)


Risks Addressed:

Breaking concrete is a high dust activity that in the absence of controls would place workers at risk of lung disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung scarring and silicosis with prolonged exposure.  Silicosis is an incurable, sometimes fatal disease. Such disease is well documented in the Vermont granite quarries and stone cutting sheds, and in construction operations. The NIOSH-recommended exposure limit (REL) for silica is 0.05 mg/m3 as a time-weighted average concentration for up to a 10-hour workday during a 40-hour workweek. This is one-half of the OSHA standard when the dust is pure silica, but still twice the ACGIH-recommended threshold limit value (TLV) of 0.025 mg/m3


How Risks are Reduced:

The shrouds partially enclose the jackhammer bit and have a connection for a vacuum system. When a vacuum system is connected to the shroud, air is drawn into the shroud and past the bit, capturing dust and silica near the point of dust generation. These systems capture dust and silica near the source, reducing concentrations in the worker's breathing zone and his or her exposure. For continuous use, a respiratory protection program and respirators may still be required.

In evaluations of engineering controls, Echt et al. observed a 59 percent reduction in respirable dust, compared to no control, during the use of a jackhammer with an Atlas Copco rock-drill shroud and dust extractor. While exposures to respirable dust during use of the local exhaust ventilation system were below the occupational exposure limits, they are likely to have approached or exceeded OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) and ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for respirable silica, given the percent silica in bulk samples of the work materials. In spite of reductions in respirable dust exposure while using local exhaust ventilation, a respirator may still be necessary to reduce silica exposures to less than the REL and TLV when breaking concrete with a jackhammer.


Effects on Productivity:

Vacuum dust control systems can have either positive or negative effects on productivity, but definitely improve the quality of the work by capturing large amounts of airborne dust, which allows a cleaner, more efficient means of breaking concrete.

Dust capture also reduces site cleanup times.  Dust capture avoids exposing other workers, members of the public, adjacent property, cars and building occupants, which can increase liability and time-consuming disputes.  Improved worker comfort is a result of reduced airborne dust which may in turn result in less fatigue for the worker and greater productivity.  In some cases, particularly where jackhammer use is intermittent, vacuum dust control may be adequate to reduce the need to wear a respirator, and the need for an employer respiratory protection program. 
 
Some additional issues should be considered. Changing vacuum bags takes time, which will depend on the amount of breaking being done and the size of the vacuum bag or hopper. Workers will need to adapt to working with a vacuum hose attached to the tool.

Additional Considerations:

Ventilation for construction tools is often misunderstood. There are some key concepts that can help:

  • The vacuum must be located as close to the dust generation as possible to be effective. A shroud may be needed to contain the dust so the vacuum can capture it. The shroud must be kept as close to the work surface as is practical to provide adequate dust capture. The shroud should be connected to the vacuum with 2-inch, or greater, diameter tubing with a relatively smooth interior.
  • The particles that can do the most damage in the lungs are small enough to penetrate the filters found on many shop vacuums. Additionally, some inexpensive shop vacuums pull the dust through the motors, which can destroy the vacuum on really dusty jobs, eliminating any initial cost savings.
  • For dust containing harmful particles like silica, it is important to use as high efficiency filters as practical. The best available are called HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filters because they capture 99.97% of the most penetrating particles. But HEPA filters also create a greater pressure drop and decrease in air flow rate because it is more difficult to pull air through these denser filters so capture velocity may be reduced. They also require pre-filters to extend the life of the HEPA filters, which are more expensive than other filters. Studies have shown that it may be more effective to direct the exhaust air out of the work area than to attempt to add HEPA filtration for a tool where it isn't an integral part already. HEPAs require routine cleaning or disposal of prefilters, which can cause exposures to those performing the filter maintenance.
  • For operations that generate large amounts of dust, cyclonic collection units, if available, may be the best solution. Rather than require more expensive filters and bags that must be frequently changed, cyclonic units spin the particles and drop them into cheap bags that need to be replaced far less frequently because loading of the bags does not cause a pressure drop.
  • Vacuum performance must be monitored on a regular basis. A vacuum with a pressure gauge allows for frequent and easy monitoring of air flow. For high dust generating tasks, dust caked on the filter may reduce flow to a level where it no longer provides adequate dust capture. Automatic and manual filter shakers, coarse pre-filters and cyclonic collections units are available with some vacuums and may help maintain the air flow rate.
Large electric vacuums commonly require 20 amp electrical circuits in addition to the circuit used for electric jackhammers.  Cords and extensions must be rated for the tool's power requirements, be inspected regularly, replaced when damaged, and used in combination with ground fault interrupt circuits.
 
The use of gasoline-powered equipment poses the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, particularly in areas where airflow is reduced. Steps to control exposure are important because the gas is invisible, odorless and tasteless. Small, inexpensive personal monitors should be worn by the operator to warn of unacceptable exposures.
 
Jackhammers generate sound levels that are greater than 90 decibels, the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), and hazardous. Hearing protection should be worn when using jackhammers unless an industrial hygienist has conducted noise monitoring and indicated that hearing protection is not required.
 
Jackhammers are heavy and produce intense vibrations over a range of frequencies and may cause harm over time. Repetitive operation of jackhammers may lead to fatigue, pain and musculoskeletal disorders. Operators should take breaks on a regular basis and when fatigued. Consider having each tool and task combination evaluated by an industrial hygienist or ergonomist. The design of some jackhammers may make them lighter and be more ergonomically correct than others.
 
As is the case with any construction equipment, users should follow manufacturer safety recommendations and comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations.

Availability

Environmental Safety Solutions, LLC Enviroboot EB-1
To obtain information, visit Enviroboot EB-1 or contact 1-212-922-9001 sales@enviroboot.com

Pullman-Ermator, Inc.
To obtain information, visit single phase electric dust extractors and three phase electric dust extractors and c-line pre seperators or contact 1-855-736-2869 hcpcustomer.service@husqvarna.com

Return on Investment

To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.