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<\/h1>\n<\/h1>\nHealth and safety is key within the construction industry.\u00a0There are numerous hazards in this type of work, and employees\u2019 personal health and safety can often be at serious risk.<\/p>\n
One of the main hazards that workers face is construction dust created by power tools<\/strong>.\u00a0Exposure to this type of dust can be controlled effectively via on-tool extraction<\/strong>, which removes and captures the dust as it is produced.<\/p>\n In this post, we have summarised everything you need to know about power tool dust extraction!\u00a0We explain the different dust extractor filter classes<\/strong>\u00a0and clarify which one you should be using as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).<\/p>\n So, if you want to maintain a safe work environment and ensure that you are meeting legal requirements, then read on!<\/strong><\/p>\n A lot of construction jobs create high levels of dust, especially\u00a0when operating power tools like saws, sanders, breakers, etc.\u00a0Regularly breathing in construction dust can seriously damage your health and cause diseases<\/strong> like lung cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and silicosis (silica is the second biggest killer of construction workers after asbestos).<\/p>\n Generally, there are three main types of dust found on construction sites:<\/p>\n A LEV system is comprised of numerous individual parts:<\/p>\n The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers (including those who are self-employed) to \u201censure, so far as is reasonably practicable,\u00a0the health,\u00a0safety\u00a0and welfare at\u00a0work” of their employees and anyone else who may be affected by their activities.<\/p>\n The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) also requires employers to prevent workers from being exposed to substances that are hazardous to their health.\u00a0If this is not feasible, then exposure must be adequately controlled<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Power tools pose a much higher health risk than manual tools as they produce a lot more dust.\u00a0In order to provide adequate control for employees, COSHH requires the cost and effort of supplying power tool dust extraction to be proportionate to the health risk.\u00a0The higher the risk; the higher the standard of extraction needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n To cater to these different standards, dust extractors have different filter classes<\/strong>.\u00a0These filter classes establish performance limits for the maximum amount of particular hazardous dusts that can penetrate through the filter back into the work environment:<\/p>\n As illustrated in the table above, class M and H units are designed for higher hazard dusts which pose a more serious health risk.\u00a0The HSE proposes that a minimum of a class M unit<\/strong> is used as part of on-tool LEV systems for silica and wood dust<\/strong> in the workplace.\u00a0A\u00a0minimum of a class L unit<\/strong> should be used for mixed\/lower toxicity dusts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Are you using the right filter class?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Failure to comply with these recommendations can lead to enforcement by the HSE<\/strong>, including appropriate legal action.<\/p>\n There are numerous other factors that should also be taken into account, such as:<\/p>\n Most power tool manufacturers sell complete dust extraction systems for use with their machines.\u00a0However some parts, like extraction units, can be used with other tool brands and models.\u00a0To ensure the best level of dust control, it is crucial that you choose parts that are compatible<\/strong> and work well not only together, but with the tool also.<\/p>\nHealth and Safety Risks of Construction Dust<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nPower Tool Dust Extraction<\/h2>\n
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One of the most effective ways to control exposure to construction dust is on-tool extraction<\/strong>.\u00a0This involves fitting a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system directly on to a power tool to extract and capture<\/strong> any dust that it produces.<\/p>\n\n
Dust Control Legal Requirements<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nOn-tool extraction now requires an L class or\u00a0M class\u00a0filter!<\/h4>\n
Choosing a Dust Extraction System<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>As mentioned above, your dust extractor should be suitable for the dust type<\/strong> of the material(s) that you will be working with.\u00a0For example, if you are sawing wood on site, your dust extraction system should be a minimum class M unit.<\/p>\n\n
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In order to effectively control dust risks, your LEV system must be operated properly<\/strong>.\u00a0You should receive instructions<\/strong> from the manufacturer(s) of your dust extraction system regarding how to do this.\u00a0Not all systems operate in the same way, so make sure you follow the specific instructions for your equipment carefully.<\/p>\n![\"Power](\"http:\/\/www.kelvinpowertools.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Bosch-Dust-Extraction-2.jpg\")
To achieve the best level of dust control, your LEV system needs to be properly maintained<\/strong>.\u00a0You should receive instructions<\/strong> from the manufacturer(s) of your dust extraction system explaining how to do this.\u00a0Not all systems will require the same level of maintenance, so make sure you follow the specific instructions for your equipment carefully.<\/p>\n