Dust Extraction – The Importance & How to Control It
Why Is Dust Extraction Important?
In short dust extraction systems are an essential part of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) consequently; failing to comply with legal regulations and the proper assessments can have costly impacts on your business.
Finding a solution can also improve the following.
Staff Safety
Dust can cause some serious health problems when inhaled. Because of this, illnesses such as asthma, respiratory issues, and even various cancers can occur. To clarify, these can be due to wood dust.
As well as inhalation risks, metal-based dust in the air can cause potential risks of explosions and/or fires.
Finishing Processes
Many finishing processes are impacted by the atmosphere and if there is airborne dust & debris the outcome of your work may be affected. Keeping the air cleaner will ultimately help reduce problems with painting/spraying or coating your work.
Costs
With legal implications and guidelines, failing to comply can result in fines.
With excessive dust, jobs may require to be redone or started again, meaning further costs on materials and labour.
Knowing the Dust Extraction Classes
Choosing a dust extractor with the right classification of filter systems is key.
L Class: ≤ 1.0% Dusts with maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) > 1 mg/m³
L Class dust extractors are suitable for extracting from work on softwood, this class is typically what is found in domestic vacuum cleaners. They are designed to trap dust that will not cause harm long term.
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Mirka 1230 L PC GB Dust Extractor 230V
£396.36 +VATThis professional dust extractor has a high-performance motor and turbine, which creates 250 mbar vacuum and 4 500 l/min air flow. The AutoStart function increases the lifetime of the motor and reduces noise. Flat top with space for storage and large wheels for better manoeuvrability.Add to basket -
Mirka 1230 L PC GB Dust Extractor 230V Air Hose
£604.19 +VATProfessional dust extractor with a high-performance motor and turbine, which creates 250 mbar vacuum and 4500 l/min air flow. AutoStart function increases the lifetime of the motor and reduces noise. Flat top with space for storage and large wheels for better manoeuvrability.Add to basket -
Mirka 1230 L PC GB Dust Extractor 230V with Hose
£439.68 +VATThe Mirka 1230 L PC GB 230V dust extractor has a high-performance motor and turbine, which creates 250 mbar vacuum and 4500 l/min air flow. The AutoStart function increases the lifetime of the motor and reduces noise.Add to basket
M class extractors are vital for use with hardwoods, brick, or concrete. They will not necessarily have a higher rate of suction but a more efficient filtration system. M Class is the minimum allowed extraction rating as per the HSE’s guidelines.
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Mirka 1230 M AFC GB Dust Extractor 230V with Hose
£677.49 +VATThe Mirka 1230 M AFC GB 230V professional dust extractor has a high-performance motor and turbine, which creates 250 mbar vacuum and 4500 l/min air flow. The AutoStart function increases the lifetime of the motor and reduces noise.Add to basket -
Mirka 1230 M PC GB Dust Extractor 110V
£666.63 +VATThis professional M-class dust extractor has a high-performance motor and turbine, which creates 250 mbar vacuum and 4 500 l/min air flow. The AutoStart function increases the lifetime of the motor and reduces noise. Flat top with space for storage and large wheels for better manoeuvrability.Add to basket -
Mirka 1230 M PC GB Dust Extractor 110V with Hose
£709.93 +VATThe Mirka 1230 M PC GB 110V dust extractor has a high-performance motor and turbine, which creates 250 mbar vacuum and 4500 l/min air flow. The flat top with space for storage and large wheels for better manoeuvrability. Hose and cable storage for more comfortable transportation.Add to basket -
Mirka 1230M Dust Extractor
£634.19 +VATThis professional M-class dust extractor has a high performance motor and turbine, which creates 250 mbar vacuum and 4 500 l/min air flow. The AutoStart function increases the lifetime of the motor and reduces noise.Add to basket
What Are ATEX Directives?
The European Union has published two directives about dealing with an ‘explosive atmosphere’, known as ATEX Directives. The directives define different environments as zones, according to the size of the space, its characteristics, and the likelihood of an explosion.
Metal dust extraction equipment is marked with a category number, plus the letter ‘D’ for dust. There are three different zone definitions that you’ll need to be aware of when looking for the right category of ATEX certified metal dust extraction equipment:
- Zone 20 describes a very high risk of explosion from a cloud of dust, where the risk is continuous or long-term; you will need Category 1 equipment
- Zone 21 describes an area where dust is likely to create an explosive mixture occasionally; you will require Category 2 equipment
- Zone 22 describes an area where an explosive mixture is unlikely, or would only exist for a short time; for this zone, you will require Category 3 equipment
Understanding Atmosphere Ratings
Different metal dust extraction machines are designed for different substances, with three specific Groups relating to dust extraction. It’s important to check that the machine you want to buy is rated for the type of dust you are working with:
- Group E: Combustible metal dust
- Group F: Combustible dust from carbon-based materials such as coal and charcoal
- Group G: Wood, plastic and other combustible dust not covered in category E or F
Many machines cover more than one Group; some are suitable for general usage. Check the product description carefully, and consult the manufacturer’s manual for guidance on each Group.
Investing In The Correct Equipment
To sum up, there are several types of dust extraction systems. It’s important to take into consideration the type of work that requires dust extraction, space and portability to best suit your needs.
We offer ranges from AirBench including the Downdraught benches. These will draw dust, mist, and fumes downward into the bench’s internal extraction unit and filters. The benches allow the user to work directly on the surface, in addition to this the installation is as simple as plugging in, switching on and starting the job!
Alternatively, the AirBench VertEx models create modular walls of extraction. These allow dust or fumes to be drawn across and in through the perforated front panels into internal filters.
As specialist suppliers of Dynabrade, we also provide the entire “Raptor Vac” range.
There are several types of these units and their portability allows them to be easily moved where required. As well as cart vacuums; which can be towed on wheels, manufacturers also offer “backpack” style vacuums that can be worn on the body for convenience.
As a result these can be beneficial for smaller spaces while still adhering to the new and exacting standards of EU Working Dust Regulations.
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Dynabrade 61403 Raptor Vac Electric Portable Vacuum System
£1,474.13 +VATDynabrade 61403 Raptor Vac Electric Portable Vacuum SystemAdd to basket -
Dynabrade 61441 Raptor Vac Air Powered Portable Vacuum System
£2,309.44 +VATDynabrade 61441 Raptor Vac Air Powered Portable Vacuum SystemAdd to basket -
Dynabrade 61473 Dynabrade Raptor Vac Pneumatic Portable Vacuum System Model 61473 ATEX Zone 21, BackPack Style
£2,519.68 +VATDynabrade 61473 Dynabrade Raptor Vac Pneumatic Portable Vacuum System Model 61473 ATEX Zone 21, BackPack StyleAdd to basket