FAQs about Dust Control, Road Management and Erosion Control

Does Dust-A-Side deal exclusively with dust control?

No. Although we provide a full range of dust control products and services to enable TOTAL DUST CONTROL MANAGEMENT across any operation, we are also equally versed in haul road management, as well as erosion control.

Isn’t water a better option for dust control because it’s free?

Not necessarily. What about all the hidden operational costs, such as water carts and water pumping? Additionally, our products help to reduce maintenance costs by reducing loss of material fines and washouts that lead to potholing and rutting of the surface. They also help to improve road safety, tyre life, equipment maintenance and fuel burn rates. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration all these factors when making a decision.

Isn’t all dust suppression the same?

There is no one-size-fits all solution to dust control. Every operation and even different areas of an operation may require different products that can be applied in many ways. Dust-A-Side has extensively tested and refined their products over four decades and by providing a complete management service has the experience and skills to ensure that our clients get the best results for their operation.

Are Dust-A-Side products safe?

All products manufactured and supplied by Dust-A-Side are classified as non-dangerous to people and the environment.

What dilution do you normally apply the products at?

The dilution and application rate of each product is dependent upon several factors, such as material type, whether one is initially establishing the product or applying a maintenance coat, ambient weather conditions, etc. As part of the service package, Dust-A-Side develop a recommended application process and schedule specific to your operation.

This is based upon our staff’s hundreds of years of combined project experience and can also sometimes include site inspections, laboratory testing and field trials. Dust-A-Side’s trained and experienced professionals works alongside you every step of the way to ensure that your team applies the product correctly or can be applied automatically and accurately using programmed equipment with minimal human intervention.

How are products sprayed?

All our products are usually diluted before being applied. Typically, this is done through a watercart, although for special projects. For small areas, hand sprayers or fog cannons can be employed.

How much water will I save?

Depending upon your objectives, a suitable solution will be tailored to address and achieve your needs. Products such as HydroWet typically reduce water usage by around 40%, whereas our haul road management system which utilises DAS Product can achieve results of 95% compared with just using water alone for dust control.

After applying products onto roads how long does one have to wait to use the surface?

Most products can be driven on immediately after application. In fact, this can often help to improve the binding and compaction of the road surface. We will always work with you to develop an application strategy that minimises any disruption to your normal operating practices.

Why do you recommend the use of sweepers on haul roads when using DASProduct?

The use of sweepers helps to control fugitive dust and contamination that can be carried onto the bitumen sealed surface during normal everyday operations. If this is not controlled, then it will begin to create dust and will also act as grinding material when vehicles drive on it; wearing the surface seal.

Furthermore, by keeping the road surface clean it means that on-going maintenance applications of product actually bind to the existing product in the road and not to lose material that will just pick up. Over time, this helps to improve the quality of the haulroad and reduce on-going product use for maintenance of the haulroad.

Whilst the use of sweepers is not mandatory, we have found that it yields the lowest life-cycle cost for haul roads.

Can Dust-A-Side products be used for dust control underground?

Yes, as with all operations, we like to undertake a site assessment and review needs and requirements of the potential clients before recommending the best fit solution. However, our team of experts have extensive experience with haulroad management and dust control for underground coal and hard rock mining operations.

Is there anything I can do when building a new road to improve the result?

Yes, our engineers will work with you to discuss your road design and how the incorporation of our products during the initial construction phase can help to reduce your capital costs and provide you with a better road that costs less to maintain from day one.