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)

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.

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.