Street sweeping involves more than aesthetics. For contractors, spring is a busy start time for many big projects, but salt, debris, and dust are stirred up from construction work. That makes street sweeping critical for maintaining a safe job site, and it also helps prevent tracking any debris out from work zones.
CONTROL DUST
Not only is dust from worksites a nuisance, but it also pollutes the air. Dust from construction sites can get stirred during spring showers and have the potential to get into people’s lungs and harm those with health problems. Street sweeping can help limit that risk using water-spraying mechanisms that help minimize the airborne dust.
CLEAR ACCUMULATED DEBRIS
By sweeping streets, particularly in the spring, it helps remove any leftover buildup like snow melt and sand from the winter. Sometimes, winter presents itself earlier than predicted, and waste such as branches, leaves, and road-construction debris are left behind.
Beyond the seasonal needs, construction sites regularly have debris such as dirt, gravel, rocks, and other building materials. These materials are then tracked or spilled onto surrounding roadways. This not only hinders daily operations but also poses safety hazards for workers, residents, and commuters. Regular sweeping prevents the accumulation of debris, ensuring a clean and safe working environment. It is critical to stay as clean as possible between construction phases.
HELP PREVENT FLOODING
If streets aren’t swept during peak rain season, flooding is significantly more likely to occur as sewers and drains clog with debris. This not only impacts homes and businesses, but construction sites and wildlife. Spring is one of the busiest times for road construction, and that mixed with the amount of rain that accumulates, makes sweeping crucial to help prevent flooding.
COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS
There are both environmental and safety regulations that street sweeping can help accommodate. Sweeping the streets regularly can help prevent pollutants from exiting the construction site and therefore prevent fines from local authorities.
SAVE COSTS
Investing in street sweeping may seem like an additional expense, but in the long term, it helps save money. A regular street sweeping schedule prevents debris and dust buildup in construction sites, which might otherwise cause wear and tear on heavy equipment and machinery, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
With an array of sweepers suited for construction sites and industrial applications from the Elgin Waterless Pelican for superior dust suppression to the Elgin Broom Bear with its unparalleled efficiency, Elgin Sweeper supports contractors in keeping jobsites clean and efficient.
for more information
Chad Schiele is product manager for Elgin Sweeper. Over 100 years of engineering, manufacturing, and technical know-how go into each Elgin sweeper. With an extensive dealer network, Elgin Sweeper is able to support contractors for the life of the sweeper. For more, visit www.elginsweeper.com.