An Introduction to Dust Management

Dust Management Guide

Dust in the workplace can be hazardous to health if breathed in. Dust created during construction works poses a significant health risk.

For this reason, control and mitigation methods should be used, such as suppression with water or on-tool vacuum collection.

On-tool dust collection, also known as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), collects dust at the point of creation. Dust suppression uses water to dampen the dust, reducing the likelihood it will become airborne and making it easier to clear away.

Regularly breathing construction dust over a long period can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and silicosis.

Silica dust is the second biggest killer of construction workers after asbestos.

Some of the most common construction jobs create high dust levels. These jobs often involve using power tools like cut-off saws, grinders, breakers, and sanders. Employers have a legal duty to prevent or adequately control worker exposure to construction dust.

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Dust Suppression - why it's important

Dust suppression and management are integral to staying compliant. It is even more essential during the warmer, drier months when dust is much more prevalent, primarily due to dry, hot conditions and no rain.

The dust particles become airborne and are further aggravated by the operation of heavy machinery and vehicles on a site.

Dust inhalation can threaten not only the workers but also those living nearby. It can cause lung disease, disability, and even fatalities if exposure was long-term. Dust isn't just dangerous to your team; it can also pose a considerable threat to nature and wildlife – especially if the particles get into the local environment.

How to choose on-tool extraction

On-tool extraction is a type of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) fitted directly onto the tool. The system consists of the tool, extraction unit and tubing.

Each part plays a role in establishing the system's effectiveness and the level of control it gives. Manufacturers and suppliers should provide complete systems, but some parts (especially extraction units) can be used with other tool makes and models.

Therefore, choosing the correct parts for your tool range is essential. Hiring the required equipment means you have access to the best tools for the job and advice on dust and dust control methods.

Our guide has been designed to provide the best solution for dusty environments.

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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have made dust a primary focus. They have the power to issue fines where inefficient, wrong, or no dust extraction is used.

In 2023, the HSE conducted over 1,000 inspections over the drier summer months. While they found many examples of good practice, they also uncovered many examples of poor practice. These included no dust suppression, poorly maintained extraction units, which made them ineffective, and unavailable RPE.

They found that some sites didn't have a hierarchy of controls; there was no thought on how dust could be eradicated completely, and nothing in place to reduce dust as much as possible.

Dust eradication can be applied to some sites by purchasing pre-cut materials or using alternative materials and tools.

Dust Extraction Classes

There are three main classes of dust extraction in the UK market currently; L, M, and H.

The official wording of the differences is as follows:

• L Class: ≤ 1.0% Dust with maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) > 1 mg/m3
• M Class: < 0.1% Dust with maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) ≥ 0.1 mg/m3
• H Class: < 0.005% Dust with maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) < 0.1 mg/m3

L Class extraction is mainly for softwoods and solid surface materials, and M Class extraction is primarily used for hardwood, concrete and brick dust.

However, please always seek advice from a competent person before deciding on dust extraction.