On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

On-tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

Introduction 1. On-tool extraction is an important control solution for construction dust. However, currently the construction industry and its supply chain are unclear about what HSE expects in relation to its selection, use and maintenance. 2. The purpose of this document is to set out HSEs proposed guidance on these issues and the reasons for it. Key elements of the proposed guidance are highlighted throughout the text in bold. Industry comments are sought on these. Any comments should be forwarded by 13 April 2012 to: chris.lucas@hse.gsi.gov.uk 3. HSE will review the comments received and the implications that these have on the proposed guidance. Once this review process has been completed there will be a discussion with industry about how to best promote the conclusions. 4. Please note when making comments, this document concerns proposed guidance relating to risk control. HSE cannot take into account any commercial concerns organisations may have except where this has an impact upon proportionality (as discussed below) or the ability of the supply chain to meet the proposals. 5. Please also note that this document does not consider asbestos. Clear HSE guidance already exists on this issue.

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

Dust and the Construction Industry 6. Airborne dusts can present significant respiratory risks on construction sites. They are responsible for a major proportion of the non-asbestos lung diseases including cancers that develop. The main dusts of concern are: Silica dust Silica is a common substance present in large amounts in natural materials such as sand, stones and rocks including sandstone and granite. It is also commonly found in many construction materials such as concrete, mortar, bricks and blocks. The silica is broken into very fine dust (also known as Respirable Crystalline Silica or RCS) during many common tasks such as cutting, drilling and grinding. It is often called silica dust. Mixed dusts (see below) will also be created during these tasks. However, the silica will be the main risk. Wood dust Wood is widely used in construction and is found in two main forms; softwood and hardwood. Other wood-based products are also commonly used including MDF and chipboard. Mixed dusts There are a number of construction products that can produce mixed dusts of varying degrees of harm. The most common ones include gypsum, cement, limestone, marble and dolomite. These may contain small amounts of silica but these amounts are not significant enough to be the main risk.

7. There are some common construction jobs that create large amounts of dust. These include sweeping, grit blasting, soft strip demolition and the handsanding of plaster joints. However, the most common involve the use of power tools such as cut-off saws, grinders, breakers and sanders. These can create very high dust levels, especially if work is done indoors or in an enclosed / poorly ventilated area. 8. In construction, two main methods are used to control dust created by power tools. Water suppression has been around for a long time. Its use is an accepted control at source for some work such as kerb, paving or block cutting with a cut-off saw. However, water is not ideal for many tasks such as those involving vertical surfaces, the use of electric power, surfaces that absorb water (e.g. wood) or where water staining may create cosmetic damage. The most effective alternative for these situations is on-tool extraction. On-tool extraction 9. On-tool extraction is a form of local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Manufacturers make many different versions of on-tool extraction. On-tool extraction like any other LEV system consists of a number of interlinked components. To achieve effective control, the on-tool extraction needs to be properly designed around the work equipment and the operator. This is so that the tool can be operated normally while ensuring that the construction dust is captured, transported, filtered and collected. The key design considerations are, as follows:

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

the way dust is captured and removed as the tool operates is matched to the way it is created blades, sanding pads, chisels, saws, grinding surfaces create dust in different ways. the power tool is fitted with a capturing (capture or captor) hood around the cutting tool to collect and channel the dust away from the blade etc and minimise the dust escaping into the air. accessories such as tubing transfer the dust from the capture device to a collection unit. collection unit a separate extraction machine to collect the dust and stop it getting into the air i.e. filtered or trapped by other means. (Note that filter cloth bags attached directly to the tool are also available but are not discussed in this document). 10. All the on-tool extraction components are critical to ensure an effective control system. Poor design or performance of any item can have a great impact on effectiveness of the system and the level of protection it provides. However, the most critical part is the capture device. If the capture hood is ineffective for any reason (e.g. design, damage or deterioration) then dust control will not be achieved. Dust Control and the Law. 11. The main legislation covering construction dusts is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended)1 more commonly known as COSHH. The main requirement of COSHH is to prevent workers being exposed to such substances. Where this is not reasonably practicable, this exposure needs to be adequately controlled. 12. There are detailed requirements within COSHH about what constitutes adequate control. Of greatest importance to this discussion are the following: Proportionate Control The cost and effort linked to the provision of on-tool extraction should be proportionate to the health risk. The greater the risk, the higher the standard needed to meet the law. Use The correct on-tool extraction method must be used properly. Training Workers must be trained so they know how to use and maintain the on-tool extraction system. Maintenance The equipment must be properly maintained and inspected so that it continues to give the right protection.

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

Proportionate Control 13. This is the most complex issue of the COSHH requirements. The level of control for construction dust needs to be proportionate to the risk created by the work activity. Greater risks require higher standards of control. The level of risk generated by the work depends on the many factors including: Type and quantity of dust this nature of the work. There is a big of dust generated by manual and sanding and drilling. There is also silica and mixed dusts. is dependent on the type and difference between the amount powered tool activities such as a big difference in risk between

Duration the longer the exposure the greater the risk. Location enclosed spaces can have higher exposures compared to the same work done outside. 14. The circumstances and conditions of construction work activities can vary greatly. What is proportionate to control risks for grit blasting is very different from the controls for drilling a few wall holes. It is therefore not possible within this document to discuss what is proportionate for every situation. However, more generalized conclusions are summarised below: Dust
Silica

Hazard
Causes silicosis and COPD. It also causes lung cancer. A sensitiser linked to asthma and COPD. Hardwood dust also causes nasal cancer. Causes COPD, mixed dust pneumoconiosis and more minor changes in lung function

Risk
Serious

Conclusions
High degree of controls needed High degree of controls needed

Wood

Serious

Mixed Dust

Significant

High degree of controls needed but not as stringent as for silica / wood

Effectiveness of On-tool Extraction 15. On-tool extraction needs to effectively capture the hazardous dust at source. This applies to all types of hazardous dusts and construction activities. A review of published literature covering on-tool controls has recently been undertaken by HSE2. Among the conclusions reached were: Exposure to dusts created by power tool use can be excessive without some form of control. On-tool extraction can reduce exposures from common power tool tasks. Studies have demonstrated that significant reductions in worker exposure in excess of 90 % are achievable.

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

Water suppression is known to be an effective control for reducing dust exposure. When compared to on-tool extraction, no significant differences were found in control effectiveness. On-tool controls should be regarded as a complete system. Hood design and extraction unit selection are key elements in this. Some studies found only partial or no significant reductions in exposure where the systems were poorly designed. On-tool controls never completely eliminate exposure and levels could not always be reduced below the relevant Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) under COSHH, especially for silica. This means respiratory protective equipment (RPE) may also be needed. On-tool controls introduce operator issues. The issues include difficulty in handling and using some tools leading to reductions in productivity. Some studies noted that these issues improved as operators became more familiar with new tools. Training is therefore an important part of achieving and maintaining good control. On-tool Extraction Guidance 16. The studies demonstrate that on-tool extraction can provide effective control when a well designed system is properly used. Defining clear guidance for on-tool control and extraction equipment is therefore a crucial element in getting the construction industry to improve their uptake of this control measure. 17. HSE currently has a number of sources of information on extraction systems (see Annex 1 for a full list). However, in the main these focus on fixed systems commonly found in manufacturing premises. Information about on-tool systems relevant to the construction industry is more limited, although some details about hood design, filters etc from fixed systems will apply. To fill this gap the text below contains proposed HSE guidance (highlighted in bold) and the reasons for this. It includes those areas where different benchmarks are needed for lower risk mixed dusts and the higher risks created by silica and wood. Extraction System 18. On-tool control should be considered as a complete system comprising the power tool, the cutting blade or surface, the collection hood, the removal, filtration and collection system (the connecting hoses, vacuum and collection/filtration). Because of this the following general principles of design / selection are proposed. Individual parts of the system should be designed / selected to operate together. Integrated systems provide more effective control and can provide greater reductions in exposure.

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

Capture Hood Design 19. The most important part of the on-tool extraction system power tool is the capturing (capture or captor) hood. The hood is essentially a device to collect the dust at its point of generation. They all work on the same principles; to ensure that the air movement created by the attached extraction unit is focussed in the most effective way to capture, draw in and remove the dustladen air. Different types of design are used for different tasks. However, the following general principles of design / selection are proposed. The hood should be shaped and designed around the cutting/ contact point. It should be easy to use and not inhibit/interfere with the work activity. The hood should be designed to optimise capture and flow efficiency. It should work 'with' the way that the dust is generated by the tool. It should also be large enough and empty quickly into the extraction unit so that escape of dust is minimised. Sharp edges, rims and narrow angles are best avoided so that effective airflow is not restricted. When in use the hood should be able to be located as close as possible to the cutting or contact point. Capture efficiency is optimised when the hood is as flush as possible to the work surface. Dust will escape through any gaps between the hood and the material. Hood design should be specific for the powered equipment and take into account that different equipment and cutting activities may release dust into the air in different ways. Dust needs to be extracted in the direction that the cloud is being propelled. Where possible dust should be directed into the extraction zone rather than away from it. Extraction Source 20. The extraction and filtration unit is another vital part of the system for achieving good control. These are typically a mobile industrial extraction unit on a construction site. The units need to create and maintain enough air movement to be able to capture and remove the dust as fast as it is created. They also need to safely store the dust that is captured. The following general principles of design / selection are proposed. The extraction unit should be appropriate for the dust hazard / risk (see below). The air flow rate should match the task / tool. The extraction unit needs to be able to create enough air movement to be able to capture and remove the dust as fast as it is created. Mechanisms should be available to maintain the required air flow throughout the period of use where needed. Some

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

tasks can generate a lot of dust in a very short period of time. This can cause the filter (see below) to become caked or clogged and the air flow rate to drop. Units should have effective filters if extracted air is exhausted out of the vacuum into the work environment. Any dust not trapped within the extraction units filter will be re-circulated back into the workplace. An appropriate dust collection device is needed that is capable of retaining the material extracted. Extraction Unit Classification 21. The design and use characteristics for an on-tool extraction system have significant differences from those of vacuum cleaners. The key feature of the former is a system which ensures maximum and sustained capture effectiveness. While the main factor in achieving this is hood design, the other parts of the system must ensure that dust transfer, filtration and collection do not impede operation or usability through filter saturation or blockages. Also to be a practical option the on-tool extraction system needs to be able to deal with the large quantities of dust that is often produced in cutting, drilling and sanding activities. Therefore filter class selection is critical in this context. The size of the filtration/collection device determines the overall practicability of the system. 22. Guidance is available in European Standards (e.g. EN 60335-2-69:2009 3) which relates to the filter specification and performance of vacuum cleaners. This European standard contains an annex detailing requirements for vacuum cleaners and extractors used for collecting hazardous dusts. The standard categorises extractors into three types: L-class or Light Hazard M-class or Medium Hazard H-class or High Hazard 23. The different filter classes are designed for use with different hazardous dusts. The filter classes set performance limits for the maximum percentage of particular hazardous dusts that can penetrate through the filter back into the work environment.

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

Class

Suitable for hazardous dusts

Filter Leakage as % of collected dust Less than 1% Less than 0.1%

L M

With a WEL greater than 1.0 mg/m3 With a WEL greater than or equal to 0.1 mg/m3 With a WEL less than 0.1 mg/m3 including carcinogenic dusts and dusts contaminated with carcinogens and/or pathogens

Less than 0.005%

24. Class M and H units are for higher hazard substances where there is serious risk. These classes of vacuum units have higher specifications compared with Class L equipment. These features include: An indicator that operates before the air velocity falls below 20 m/s (or more if stated by the manufacture). Adjustments to the air velocity that can be undertaken without tools (i.e. easily by the operator). Where these are in-built / automatic they should not affect the efficiency of the filter. A device used to collect the dust for emptying that can be removed with only the smallest amount of dust escaping. A main filter that will not be damaged if the vacuum accidentally sucks in nails or other sharp objects. Ensuring the speed of the air exhausted from the machine does not unduly disturb any dust lying on the floor. Extraction Unit Specification Silica and Wood Dust. 25. Previous HSE advice has been limited on this issue. Where it has been noted a Class H unit has been recommended for both types of dust. However, a considered review of the available evidence would support the proposal that: A minimum of a class M unit is used as part of on-tool extraction systems for silica and wood dust on construction sites. 26. The reasons for this are as follows: The HSE commissioned report2 on on-tool extraction systems has concluded that a minimum of a Class M vacuum cleaner is appropriate for dusts containing crystalline silica as part of an on-tool LEV system.

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

Section AA.22.201 of EN 60335-2-69:2009 states that a class M vacuum is the minimum required for wood dust. It is not therefore appropriate to apply a different standard for wood dust in the UK. Current discussion concerning revisions to EN 603352-69:2009 are also likely to recommend that, as a minimum, class M should also be used for picking up mineral dust (containing quartz). Again it would not be appropriate to apply a different standard to the UK. Use of M class vacuums are contained in the Good Practice Guide4 annexed to the Social Dialogue Agreement on Workers Health Protection through the Good Handling and Use of Respirable Crystalline Silica and Products Containing it (also known by the acronym NEPSI). Specifically sheets 2.1.14 in the series refer to common construction tasks such as cutting, sanding or chasing silica containing material. While the construction industry is not a signatory to this agreement, adoption of H class units would again mean applying a different UK standard for the same tasks. Class M vacuums can be less susceptible to filter over-loading. This means that they are capable of maintaining the correct volume flow rate for longer. In simpler Class H units the heavy dust loading from the work activity can cause blockages in the HEPA filter which the machines self-cleaning mechanism may not be able to clear. This problem can be off-set by the use of pre-filters to remove the majority of dust before it gets to the final HEPA filter. However, such equipment can be more bulky due to the complexity of the filtration/collection system. For certain work this can make it more cumbersome and inflexible for peripatetic use common to much construction work. Control systems need to be practical and useable. If they are not then they will not be used. This means they need to be: Easy to move around (e.g. lightweight, compact, easily transportable in vans and up and down stairs etc). Robust and hardwearing and capable of withstanding the rough and tough /harsh conditions of construction sites. Interfere with the work as little as possible.

Including M class machines for silica and wood dust will increase the availability of machines for construction workers to use. HSE will continue to promote extraction as a priority topic. This will include enforcement where appropriate. Therefore there needs to be enough equipment available to allow compliance with the law.

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

M class units can also be cheaper to purchase. This has an impact on proportionality. M class units are also well suited for mixed dusts (see also below) due to the mechanisms that they have for filter cleaning / maintaining airflow. This gives flexibility / a one size fits all approach for construction workers who may encounter different dust types during a days work. Extraction Unit Specification Mixed Dusts. 27. It is proposed that: A minimum of a class L unit is used as part of on-tool extraction systems for mixed dusts on construction sites. The reasons for this are as follows: The class is in accordance with the information within EN 60335-2-69:2009. A lower specification is appropriate given the different risks between mixed dusts and silica / wood. Nevertheless a class L unit is still capable of providing a high degree of control when considered as part of an on-tool extraction system. The word minimum is important. As mentioned above, L class machines are not required to have some of the protection devices built into the higher standard machines. It may be important to have these for some work, especially where dust levels may be high and the flow rate would drop without filter cleaning devices that are automatic or easy to use.

Consumables and Accessories 28. Although less crucial, the parts of the system made up of consumables and accessories are still important. The following general principles of design / selection are proposed. When in operation, blades etc should not prevent effective extraction of dust laden air. For example, sanding pads should have enough perforations / holes to allow the dust to be extracted through them. Tubing connecting the tool and extraction unit should be of the right length and diameter. Tubing of the wrong dimensions can affect velocity of the air flow. There should be a good connection between the tubing and the tool / vacuum. A poor connection or the use of tape to secure tubing of a different diameter to the outlet / inlet of the - 10 -

On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

equipment can result in extracted air escaping and the velocity dropping. Training and Use 29. Providing effective control for dust risks is one thing. Ensuring that dust risks are effectively controlled is another. Training and use are vital to this. COSHH has specific requirements relating to each. It is proposed that the following key points are highlighted in relation to on-tool extraction (note that this is in addition to that required for relevant dust risks, risk assessments, use of RPE etc) Training 30. Before use operators need to be provided with the right level of information, instruction and training for the use of the machine. As well as the general requirements within COSHH it is proposed that training should include the following elements: Selection of the right on-tool system, including checking test and maintenance status. Pre-use checks of the system. Correct use of the system, including knowledge of common operator errors and issues that can result in loss or reduction of control. Other controls that may be needed (e.g. RPE) and its correct use. Common faults that can develop, how to spot these and the action that should be taken. Regular maintenance, collection devices. including changing filters and

Other maintenance requirements including the need for thorough examination (see below). Procedures to be followed when there is a failure with the system. Use 31. Use of an extraction system is also required to be managed to ensure it remains effective. It relies on actions by both the employer and employee. The following are proposed in line with the general requirements of COSHH: Employers should establish procedures to ensure that control measures are properly used. These should include: (a) Developing appropriate methods of work.

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

(b) Observing and supervising employees to ensure the methods of work are followed. (c) Prompt action to correct problems where they are found. Employees should use the control measures in right way. In particular they should: (a) Use the control measures provided. (b) Follow the methods of work. (c) Promptly report any problems to the appointed person, i.e. foreman, supervisor etc. Maintenance 32. It is important that extraction systems are maintained to ensure they continue to perform effectively. For example, a problem with an extraction unit that causes a drop in flow rate could have a significant impact on the amount of dust captured. There are specific requirements in COSHH about maintenance. The following are proposed in line with this: General Maintenance Daily checks / maintenance are needed to ensure that the system is working correctly before it is used. It is proposed that this should concentrate on the following: (a) Damage to the hood that could affect its ability to contain the dust. (b) Consumables that need replacing. (c) Damage to the ducting. (d) Factors that could affect the ability of the vacuum to maintain airflow and collect dust. This includes the cleanliness / integrity of the filter, dust levels in the collection device and its integrity, correct operation of measures to maintain air velocity. (e) Other factors that could affect the safe operation of the system such as missing guards or electrical safety issues. (f) The identity or job role of the person responsible for these checks and correcting any problems found. Thorough Examination COSHH requires extraction systems to be thoroughly examined and tested at suitable or specified intervals. Portable systems

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

are specifically included within this. This is to ensure that they continue to perform as originally intended. The following are proposed: (a) The intervals between thorough examinations should be: - A maximum of 14 months in accordance with COSHH. - More frequent intervals if determined by a competent person (for example because of an increased risk in failure or deterioration of the system due to the harsh nature of some construction work). (b) The examination and test should be sufficient to ensure the continued effectiveness of the system. It should take into account the guidance contained in the HSE publication HSG258 Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work5. A suitable record of the thorough examination should be made in accordance with the requirements of COSHH.

(c)

Other Relevant Issues 33. There are a number of other issues that are relevant to the use of on-tool extraction. These include: Guarding for dangerous parts of the equipment Electrical safety Fire and explosion risks Lifting and carrying the equipment Working at height with the equipment

34. It is not proposed to discuss most of these issues in this document as HSE provides sufficient information elsewhere. However, of direct relevance are the fire and explosion risks linked to wood dust. There are three main fire and explosion risks linked to wood dust and on-tool use. Explosive Atmospheres in the Workspace 35. Power tools can create significant amounts of wood dust where no controls are used. This can create a potential explosive atmosphere. Effective on-tool extraction should minimise this risk as it will reduce the amount of wood dust particles in the air from which an explosion could be created. 36. However, there may be circumstances where the system is being used in an area where hazardous explosive atmospheres may occur (i.e. a Zone 20, 21 or 22 area in accordance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 20026). In these circumstances it is proposed that: ATEX rated equipment should be used (ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres) as outlined in other HSE guidance (e.g. see http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/atex.htm)

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

Extraction units should comply with Annex CC of EN 603352-69 when being used in an area specified as Zone 22. General Fire Risks in the Workspace 37. Although extraction will limit the risk of an explosive atmosphere forming, the risk of fire during a task still remains given that there is a fuel source (wood / residual wood dust) and a potential source of ignition (the blade etc of the tool). However, this issue is also not unique to on-tool extraction. It is therefore proposed that: General fire precaution principles should be followed (e.g. see http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg168.pdf) Fire and Explosion Risks within the On-Tool system 38. The final fire and explosion risk is linked to the extraction system itself. The system is designed to collect a source of combustible material. This will form a well-mixed dust cloud passing up the suction hose and into the collection device. Therefore when in use, a dust cloud will almost always be present inside the equipment at some point. There are three main sources by which this can ignite: Thermite sparks. These are produced from the reaction between rusty steel and aluminium, magnesium and their light alloys. Electrostatic charge. This is generated where dust passes over an insulating surface. Where a stainless steel tool is fitted to the end of a plastic hose the tool then becomes an isolated conductor. It can accumulate electrostatic charge in sufficient quantities to cause an incendive discharge capable of igniting a dust cloud. There is a secondary problem with the hoses if they are fitted with a helical reinforcing wire to prevent the hose from collapsing. A very high energy spark can be formed if this is either embedded in the plastic of the hose, or is wound round the outside of the hose. Fan Motor. Where air passes over the extraction unit motor some fine dust may pass through the filters and deposit on the motor. The heat of the motor can cause the deposits to become thermally unstable and could cause them to smoulder. This can be a particular problem after the motor has been switched off, as the heat is still there yet the flow of cooling air has ceased. If the hot motor is then switched on again, a fire could result within the motor housing. In addition the motors of some vacuum units are fitted with commutators and brushes that are prone to sparking, even when

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

new. Thus passing a dust cloud through a sparking motor is liable to ignite the dust cloud and an internal explosion could occur 39. The following proposals are made in relation to these risks which have been adapted from existing HSE guidance7 on this issue: Aluminium tools should not be used where there is a risk of thermite sparks being created. Metallic tools should be earthed. Wire-reinforced hoses should be avoided. Where this is not possible or appropriate the wire should be earthed and on the inside surface of the bore of the hose. The extracted air containing the wood dust should ideally not pass through the motor housing and over the windings. Where this is not possible, the filtration should minimise any dust before it passes these areas so that an explosive cloud does not form. The extraction unit should not be operated unless all filters are properly fitted. Disposable filters should be regularly changed. Nondisposable filters should be regularly cleaned. Only trained people should clean or replace filters to ensure they are refitted correctly and sealed effectively. The dust collecting bag or container should be emptied frequently to avoid overloading. The motor should be inspected periodically for deposits of wood dust and thoroughly cleaned where appropriate. This should only be someone who is properly trained.

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

References
1 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 SI 2002/2677 The Stationary Office 2002 ISBN 0110429192 2 On-tool Controls to Reduce Exposure to Respirable Dusts in the Construction Industry HSL Report ECM/2011/01 Waiting Publication 3 Particular Requirements for Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Including Power Brush, for Commercial Use BS EN 60335-2-69: 2009 British Standards Institute 4 Good Practice Guide on Workers Health Protection through the Good Handling and Use of Crystalline Silica and Products Containing it. Undated Web version available at - http://www.nepsi.eu/media/2276/good%20practice%20guide%20%20english%20original%20additional%20task%20sheets%20(251006%20modified%2004012010).pdf

5 Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work. A Guide to Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) HSG258 HSE Books ISBN 9780717664153 6 The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 SI2002/2776 The Stationary Office 2002 ISBN 0110429575 7 Guidance on the selection of vacuum cleaners for low combustibility organic granules and dusts (e.g. flour) HSE web guidance available at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/food/dustexplosionapp1.htm

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On-Tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

Annex 1
Current HSE guidance relevant to on-tool extraction
Links to current HSE information relating to on-tool extraction / mobile vacuum units are listed below. COSHH Essentials A wide number of relevant COSHH Essential sheets are available. A representative summary of the information on on-tool extraction / mobile vacuum units can be found on the following sheets: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/g406.pdf http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/cn2.pdf http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/qy10.pdf Woodworking http://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/wooddust.htm COPD http://www.hse.gov.uk/copd/casestudies/vacuumdust.htm LEV http://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/index.htm http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg258.pdf Construction http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis54.pdf Asbestos http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/em4.pdf Food Industry http://www.hse.gov.uk/food/dustexplosion.htm

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