Construction wastes like foul odors and dust are a major challenge in the construction industry. Fortunately, construction site owners are ever finding efficient ways to combat construction waste. The common technique currently in play is using dust control systems that can combat dust particles. This way, odor and dust control is achieved using the same machines, which enhances efficiency and saves on cost. With that mentioned, here are the common sources of odor in construction sites.
Construction Waste
Construction activities can produce tons of wastes like metal scraps, adhesives, concrete among other things. If the waste products in your site are not disposed of properly, they can be a hotbed of lots of dust and foul odor. The situation worsens when the wastes become wet or get in contact with chemicals, which stirs up the build-up of bad smell. In light of this, you should have proper waste management and dust control plans to help you develop solid strategies for waste disposal. This way, you won’t have to wrestle with foul odors in your construction site.
Fumes and Gases From Machines in The Construction Site
The machines operating in construction sites contribute hugely to foul odor. For instance, heavy machinery like bulldozers, breakers, and dumpers run on petrol or diesel engines. As a result, they release fumes and gases like carbon (IV) Oxide through their exhaust pipes into the air. These gases are made up of compounds that are responsible for the foul odor in the construction site. In addition to that, on-site machines are the top players in causing dust and odor waste matter. This occurs considering they’re often operating, which leads to more fumes and gases getting released into the atmosphere.
Chemicals
The chemicals used in the construction industry cause a foul odor in worksites as well. They do this in two ways. First, this may be through vapors from thinners, paints, or glues, which are expelled into the air when the chemicals are exposed to the atmosphere. Secondly, the foul odor may emanate from chemical dust like silica. When the dust escapes into the air, it spreads the odor to different parts of the construction site. Generally, chemical odors are strong and pose great danger to your workers and anyone else who breaths the affected air. Therefore, immediate action is necessary to get rid of the chemical smell and ensure the air in the site is clean and safe.
Stagnant water
Construction pits created through excavation activities can collect water from the rain and result in foul odor. When the water remains stagnant for so long, it makes the substances in it decompose, resulting in the release of bad smells in the construction site. Also, when the water gets in contact with the site’s chemicals, you’ll have a build-up of foul smell. However, filling up the abandoned pits can solve the issue of stagnant water. Alternatively, you can regularly empty the pits to prevent the development of foul odors from stagnant waters.
By identifying the different sources of foul odor sources in your construction site, controlling it only becomes much easier. Thus it makes it a safe worksite for your workers.