When we ask about the most significant operations in recent times, Pieter refers first of all to the various standards which governments have made to reduce dust emissions on building sites.
Three main groups of measures
Pieter Pruijn: ‘If we consider the situation in the Netherlands and Germany, you notice that the government subdivides elements into three main groups of measures to unhealthy dust emissions. Generally speaking, these comprise an approach at source, the suction, ventilation, or purification of the air, and PBMs or personal protective equipment.’
‘The approach at source means introducing alternative products with little or no dust. Here we use our low-dust levelling agents levelling agents from Wakol, with the Z610 as the crème de la crème. It’s a cement-bound and low-tension product which covers in one layer and is both solventless and low-emission. For the second part we have a solution whereby if you mix the levelling agent in a tub or bucket, you can put a ring or semi-open lid on it. This sucks up most of the dust. If you can’t tackle the problem at source or don’t have enough suction, we also have FFP2 masks, so you can work safely for 30 minutes. If you need to work for longer periods, you can switch to a full face shield.’

Development of levelling agents
In recent years, producers have worked hard on adapting the content of new levelling agents with dust prevention as their top priority. How has this development been going at Lecol and what does the composition of the latest generation of low-dust levelling agents look like?
Pieter Pruijn: ‘Our levelling agent programme falls into four sorts. We have, of course, the ‘old fashioned’ products, but you can regard the Wakol Z610 as the leader. Last year, we adapted this product to improve the end result on the floor even more. Obviously, we can’t give you our formulas, but what I can say is that we’ve added an adhesive to the powder formula so that the powder more or less sticks in the air together during the filling and mixing. We’ve launched comparative tests and noticed vast improvements in the area of the dust clouds which arise. It’s not yet dustless, but there is certainly a huge reduction in dust. However, that takes nothing away from the fact that it’s still better for floor fitters to wear an FFP2 dust mask for the sake of their health and absolute safety.’

Standards
How much dust is still spread during the application of the Lecol levelling agents? How harmful is this (still) to the user’s health?
Pieter Pruijn: ‘I had a look for the standard and found it in Germany from the so called BG Bau (Berufsgenossenschaft der Bauwirtschaft). The BG Bau is an umbrella organisation for everyone connected with construction. The BG Bau draws a distinction between so called A-dust, which penetrates deep into the lungs and causes the most harm, and E-dust, which comprises bigger particles which don’t penetrate as deeply into the lungs.’
‘For A-dust, it sets a limit of a maximum of 1.25mg dust per cubic metre. With E-dust, the limit is 10mg/m³. We had our Wakol Z610 tested against those figures and the results which we achieved speak volumes. We recorded 0.39 and 2.72 for the A-dust and the E-dust respectively. And so, we’re well within the formulated standards and comply with the law with room to spare.’
‘In that connection I’d like to mention our cut-price product, the Z680, and another development, the mass filler Z645. The Z680 doesn’t work as fast and spreads less thickly (up to a maximum of 10mm, with a drying time of 24 hours), but it’s an excellent project product which is also low in dust. We’ve developed the Z645, the mass filler or rapid cement, which dries in only a few hours. This is available low in dust for finishes from 1 to 5cm, so you don’t have to work very long for the finish.’

Extra representative for Flanders
In closing, Pieter Pruijn gives us some more news hot off the press. Since 1 January, Stephan Berckmans, the permanent representative for Flanders, has had a new colleague, namely Kevin Bresseleers. Bresseleers has worked previously at Amorim Belgium and will now be responsible for East and West Flanders and Brussels. Stephan will look after the provinces of Antwerp and Limburg.