Dust Don’ts

Editor's note: Included in December PCT was the feature "Dusts: When More is NOT Better". The article was adapted from Techletter, the biweekly publication from Pinto & Asssociates, which can be subscribed to at www.techletter.com or by calling 301/884-3020.

There are certain situations where insecticide dusts work better than other formulations. But there are other situations where dusts aren’t a good choice at all.
• Don’t use dusts on surfaces where your customer wouldn’t want to see any dusty residue. Application should be concentrated in voids and cracks and crevices.
• Don’t use dust near computers or other sensitive equipment, particularly those containing relays (telephone switching boxes, elevator controls, etc.). Dusts can damage circuitry.
• Don’t apply dust into void spaces that are frequently opened for repairs or access to wiring. Workers in these areas could be unknowingly exposed to insecticide dust.
• Don’t use dusts in suspended ceilings, especially if over a food or work area. Normal vibrations can shake the dust down onto people and surfaces below.
• Don’t use dusts in excessively damp situations. Many dusts clump and lose effectiveness in high humidity.
• Don’t use dusts where breezes or drafts could blow them into non-target areas.