Flooring Contractors, Jobsite Safety and How Bona Can Help
Learn how flooring contractors can protect against wood dust, silica, VOCs and other health risks with the Bona Professional System.
Flooring Contractors, Jobsite Safety and How Bona Can Help
Learn how flooring contractors can protect against wood dust, silica, VOCs and other health risks with the Bona Professional System.
Like many other craftsmen, most flooring professionals are well aware of the health risks associated with their profession. Contractors are exposed to a variety of health hazards, including wood dust, not to mention remaining toxic chemicals associated with the treatment of floorboards as well as adhesives, stains, sealers, and finishes. Many professional flooring and refinishing products produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
While maintaining physical and mental health is also important, understanding and mitigating these industry-specific health risks should be a top priority. Doing so will help with both mental and physical health. Here's how the Bona System® can help protect flooring contractors from these potential dangers.
Learn about the potential health risks brought on by toxic chemicals faced by flooring contractors
Overall health and jobsite safety can easily be addressed by flooring contractors – and one way to accomplish this goal is by using the best professional flooring products and tools. After all, putting people and wellness first can only help to strengthen business and workflow, which is one reason why Bona puts such an emphasis on being a more health-conscious industry leader.
- Wood Dust Exposure: Sanding floors can release fine particles of wood dust into the air. Prolonged inhalation of this dust can cause respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, and even certain types of cancer.
- Silica Dust Exposure: Certain flooring materials contain silica. When disturbed, this can generate respirable crystalline silica dust, posing serious health risks such as lung disease and kidney disorders.
- Exposure to VOCs: Many floor products like stains, sealers, adhesives, and finishes contain VOCs. These can cause headaches, dizziness, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and long-term exposure may lead to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.
The Bona System provides safer and healthier solutions for flooring contractors
The Bona System of products and tools is designed to significantly reduce exposure to the common problems that flooring contractors face, like wood dust inhalation, silica dust exposure, formaldehyde, and VOCs. Selecting people-safe, eco-friendly yet effective adhesives, sealers, and finishes can help meet that goal. Bona's silane-based adhesives, coatings and dust containment systems are GREENGUARD certified, demonstrating our commitment to healthier indoor air quality.
99.9% wood dust containment on the job site: your lungs and your customers will thank you
Throughout the flooring industry, the demand for dust control is now a standard part of floor renovation. Bona's Dust Containment Systems deliver up to 99.9% dust reduction compared to conventional sanding approaches, fostering healthier work environments for you and your team. The advantages are evident:
- Immediate dust removal through direct connection to a vacuum system
- Sealed systems with multi-stage air filtration
- Elimination of airborne dust that could settle back into the finish
- Time savings on site – no need for time-consuming prep work or costly clean-ups
- GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality
Bona DCS® 50
The Bona® DCS 50 is a powerful, lightweight, and versatile vacuum that features an automatic filter cleaning system that provides efficient suction for a dust-free environment throughout the sanding process.
Bona Portable DCS™ 2.0
Bona Portable DCS™ 2.0 is a powerful, two motor, Portable Dust Containment (PDC) system that combines a Bona exclusive two-step cyclonic intake system with two hospital-grade HEPA filters.
Bona DCS Back Vac
The Bona DCS Back Vac is a lightweight vacuum that rests snugly on your back with padded shoulder and waist straps and a convenient fingertip off/on switch.
Unsurpassed ridge stability for maximum adhesive transfer and air quality you can count on
Bona's silane-based adhesives are a healthier choice for contractors and their customers, as they significantly reduce harmful emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This not only creates a safer working environment for the contractors but also ensures indoor air quality for the homeowners post-installation.
Bona QUANTUM FLOW®
Bona QUANTUM FLOW® is a pourable silane-based wood floor adhesive with outstanding “green-grab” properties. Cover larger surface areas in less time without fatigue. Highly efficient, flooring can be ready in one day for furniture and foot traffic.
Bona QUANTUM™ R851
Bona QUANTUM R851 is the industry-leading, one-component, silane-based wood flooring adhesive, providing exceptional “green-grab” strength. Elastomestricity allows the product to move with the wood over the life of the floor.
Bona QUANTUM™ T
Bona QUANTUM™ T is a silane-based wood floor adhesive, that makes uneven substrates an issue of the past by helping to minimize gaps. Superb green-grab keeps wood flooring in place. Rapid shear strength development means quick and efficient application.
Air you can breathe with Bona: Healthier Coatings for Contractors and Customers
By opting for Bona’s water-based sealers, finishes and stains, you contribute to healthier environments for you and your and customers. The benefits include:
- Low VOC emissions
- Rapid drying times
- No requirement to leave the job site
- Safer for individuals with chemical sensitivities
- Non-flammable
Bona Traffic HD
Bona Traffic HD® is the world's leading water based hardwood floor finish; providing unsurpassed scuff, scratch and chemical resistance, with very low VOC emissions.
Bona Craft Oil 2K®
A two-component (2K) natural penetrating oil with short dry times and excellent wear resistance, Bona Craft Oil 2K® is made from modified vegetable oils and catalyzed with a hardener for quicker drying and greater durability.
Bona ClearSeal®
Bona ClearSeal® is a waterborne sealer offering easy abradability, great build characteristics, and fast dry time. Additionally, it provides a classic appearance that highlights the natural wood color, while preventing the finish from penetrating the wood.
Flooring contractors tips for maintaining safety at the job site
By following these guidelines, flooring contractors can minimize potential risks and create a safer work environment.
- Wearing proper work attire, including sturdy shoes and fitted clothing, can prevent accidents related to loose fabric or inadequate foot protection.
- Hearing protection is also essential when operating noisy machinery.
- Regular hand-washing and maintaining social distancing where possible can contribute to overall health and safety.
- Keeping the workspace clean, dry, and free from debris helps prevent slips and falls. Regular inspections for hazards such as sharp objects, loose boards, or spills are necessary to ensure the work environment remains safe.
- Lastly, never leave materials like sanding bags or vacuums containing wood dust unattended in the workspace.
For more sustainable practices for flooring professionals, read our helpful articles.
Best Practices for Sustainable Wood Floors
Help customers make a more sustainable choice with their flooring options, and create healthier environments for you and your customers.
Bona Home Training Resources
Learn professional development resources to help you improve your skills from the comfort of home.
Floor Sealer and Finish Guide
Getting the right look and protection for hardwood floors is easy with Bona sealers and finishes. Bona oil-based finishes and sealers provide the best level of protection and ease of use to create the perfect look for wood floors.