Enhance Safety and Compliance with Advanced Vacuum Technologies for Sawed Pavement Joints

The use of vacuums to clean sawed pavement joints represents a significant advancement in maintaining OSHA compliance while boosting operational efficiency. Wet sawing and early entry sawing, when coupled with vacuum systems, help mitigate airborne crystalline silica dust risks by effectively managing slurry residue.

This not only supports safety standards under OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) but also streamlines cleanup efforts on airfield and highway construction projects.

In the IGGA and Seal/No Seal Group tech brief, The Use of Vacuums to Clean Sawed Pavement Joints, wet sawing and early entry vacuum systems are discussed, with their different approaches detailed. For example, wet sawing vacuums are equipped with slurry recovery tanks, enabling uninterrupted operation without the need for filters. Early entry sawing systems, on the other hand, utilize HEPA filters to capture fine particles. While effective, these require regular maintenance during shifts and often necessitate additional personnel.

When deployed correctly, these technologies minimize dried slurry hazards, as seen in comparative outcomes where vacuuming yields cleaner joint surfaces. By integrating these solutions, contractors can foster safer, cleaner and more efficient workspaces.



Read the full brief here: https://ow.ly/5l1k50VAlA4