# Managing Respirable Quartz Exposure in Façade Renovations of Masonry Buildings

## TL;DR

This paper examines how to manage dust exposure during masonry building façade renovations and suggests practical methods to reduce quartz and dust levels.

## Contribution

The study identifies practical, easily available methods to minimize respirable quartz and dust exposure during façade renovation tasks.

## Key findings

- Average respirable quartz and dust exposures were 0.082 and 1.3 mg/m3, exceeding Finnish occupational exposure limits.
- Using respirators, water sprays, and tool-specific exhaust vents can significantly reduce exposure.
- Hydraulic cutters and robotic systems can replace traditional tools to lower dust emissions.

## Abstract

Respirable quartz and dust exposures in dusty façade renovation work tasks were investigated. The presumption was that dust-producing work tasks can be performed safely, keeping exposures low, with practical, easily available methods to control dust emissions and exposure. The aim was to identify deficiencies in exposure management and compare exposure limiting methods to find out how to minimize dust emissions and exposures. Average respirable quartz and dust exposures from the 31 work situations, encompassing nine work tasks studied, were 0.082 and 1.3 mg/m3, respectively. Both values exceed the OEL in Finland, pointing to severe deficiencies in managing exposures. All tasks could, however, be executed safely, keeping exposures low. This often required using respirators while working inside façade covers or close to dust emissions. Other key things when planning exposure maintenance were the following: using water sprays and tool-specific exhausts vents; opening façade cover ventilation apertures; ensuring that non-participants in dusty work tasks are not exposed; working upwind from dust emissions; using pre-blended plaster; using grinders with extension handles; replacing diamond saws and angle grinders with hydraulic cutters when dismantling balcony elements; executing façade jackhammering with robots installed on lifting platforms prior to installing scaffolds and façade covers; detaching façade covers from the clean side; and using lifting platforms.