Airborne hazards in the workplace, including dust, have been associated with the development of a wide range of respiratory diseases in Australia. While some of these diseases have declined due to greater awareness and control of exposure, the construction industry can also look for new ways to reduce airborne hazards. The volume of respirable airborne dust created on building sites during sanding can now be reduced with new SHEETROCK® Dust Control Joint Compound from USG Boral the first of it's kind or the Australian construction industry.

Tested to the USA’s National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) Method 0600, SHEETROCK® Dust Control produces respirable airborne dust at levels lower than the USA’s current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), which are lower than the PELs set by Safe Work Australia.

Working with USG Boral’s Dust Control joint compound helps to mitigate dust and adds an extra layer of protection for painters, plasterers, builders and other trades on site.

“Dust Control has been designed to reduce the amount of respirable airborne dust during the sanding process,” said Tim Harrington, compounds category manager at USG Boral. “The dust particles are heavier, and tend to fall straight to the ground, and respond better to the vacuum in power sanders, rather than creating fine, fly away dust that is more likely to get in ears, eyes, and be inhaled. This new product has been designed with the health and safety of our customers in mind.”

Ideal for both new builds and renovation projects, where furniture often needs to be removed or covered, Dust Control also makes clean up easier and faster.

The formulation glides on effortlessly with a trowel, roller or sprayer, weighs up to 25 per cent less than conventional USG Boral joint compounds, and is less inclined to shrinkage.

“Dust Control has been trialled locally and the results have been outstanding,” commented Harrington. “Prior to the release of SHEETROCK Dust Control, we asked a selection of plastering specialists to use the product on existing projects. The feedback has been extremely positive. The product not only minimises the dust generated by sanding, it is also an exceptional finishing compound.”

One bucket (19L) of Dust Control will cover approximately 36 square metres of plasterboard.

For more information, including our performance videos, visit www.usgboral.com/au/dustcontrol