Dust Extractor Classes Explained

Types Of Dust And Why Size Matters

Dust Arrest supplies a comprehensive range of MAXVAC vacuum cleaners, which are equipped with powerful extractors, to tackle a range of dust particles. Each extractor class is specially designed to filter dust particles of a range of sizes. All of the Dura Range of vacuums come fitted with HEPA filters and IFA approved filter bags for ultimate protection.

As there are substantial differences between L, M & H Class Vacuums, it's important you're sure that the vacuum you choose is certified for the application you wish to use it for and to meet the Health and safety standards in place.

SO WHAT CLASS OF VACUUM DO I NEED?

Below is an overview of the different Dust Classes, explaining the percentage of dust filtration and what types of dust come under each category.

- L Class Dust Extractors

Dust Class "L" (Light) extractors tackle low hazardous dust, filtering out 99% of all dust that is extracted. The air that passes through this system is left with only dust particles weighing less than 1mg. View our range of L Class Vacuums here

- M Class Dust Extractors

Dust Class "M" (Moderate) extractors tackle medium hazardous dust, filtering out 99.95% of all dust that is extracted. The air that passes through this system is left with only dust particles weighing less than 0.1mg. If you're dealing with Silica and most types of wood dust (excluding MDF), this is the extractor class you will need. View our range of M Class Vacuums here

- H Class Dust Extractors

Dust Class "H" (High) tackle high hazardous dust, filtering out 99.997% of all dust that is extracted. The air that passes through this system is cleared of the finest dust particles. If you are dealing with MDF and asbestos dust, which is particularly harmful due to its fine nature, then this is the extractor class you will need. View our range of H Class Vacuums here

Types Of Dust: Beyond Asbestos

At the mention of the harmful effects of dust, asbestos is often top of the list of dangerous dust particles. However exposure to dust is not restricted to the construction industry alone. Here are some forms of dust that may sound innocuous but can nonetheless cause harm:

- Flour

The second most common cause of occupational asthma is flour dust, affecting works in bakeries, flourmills, and kitchens. This is made worse by additives used when working with flour, such as amylase. Flour dust can also cause the skin disease dermatitis.

- Grain

Grain dust is a major cause of occupational asthma and other respiratory disorders. Those working in agriculture have double the national average of asthma. This is down to exposure to grain dust during harvesting, drying, handling, storage or processing of barley, wheat, oats, maize, 
rye, rice or sorghum. This can involve exposure to associated contaminants or additives, such as bacteria, endotoxins, fungal spores, insects, insect debris, and pesticide residues.

- Silica

Dust from rocks, sand, clay, bricks, and concrete can produce silica dust when cut, sanded, carved, or similarly handled. Silica dust can be so fine that it enters deep into the lungs, where it can damage the tissue and lead to respiratory disease. This fine dust, called respirable crystalline silica (RCS), is too fine to even be seen under normal lighting.

- Wood

Wood dust can cause a range of respiratory problems, including asthma. Carpenters and joiners are consequently four times more likely to develop asthma than other UK workers. Hardwood dust and formaldehyde are also known to be cancer-causing agents, with hardwood dust causing a rare form of nose cancer.

This list is not exhaustive and there are many other substances that can produce harmful dust. One thing is clear, whether in a bakery or a building site, dust can damage human health. Dust management is key to avoiding these highly preventable consequences.

Keep Dust Levels Down With MAXVAC Dustblockers

Bakeries, schools, manufacturing plants, hospitals, offices; the list of where dust resides is endless. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Keeping dust levels as low as possible will help protect your employees, customers, family and friends from the detrimental health effects of dust. This is where the Dustblocker Pro range can help, giving you the power to get your dust levels under control and within EU recommendations.

Whether trying to keep flour dust out of the air in bakeries, lessen construction dust at a building site or to reduce the cleaning needed in hospital wards or offices, Dustblockers are the go-to solution.

With Dustblocker filtered air you can breathe in anywhere from 10 to 100 times fewer dust particles. By creating a circulating air stream in closed rooms or halls, fine dust particles have no way of escaping the Dustblocker filters. From dust and pollen to spores and bacteria, Dustblockers can remove them all, leaving you with clean air. What’s more, they are designed to work with minimal space and energy requirements.