Dust is often created during common manufacturing processes such as cutting, grinding, moulding, sanding or materials handling. This fine dust can be hazardous to the health of your employees and customers, and in many cases could be flammable or even explosive. For this reason health and safety legislation is in place to ensure that dust is handled safely and responsibly in the workplace with an appropriate dust collection system. HSE view all dust as potentially hazardous and therefore a dust extraction system can be required for the smallest workshop through to the biggest factory. Air Plants have a dust extraction solution for all applications and dust types.
The most effective method of controlling dust is to install an Air Plants Dust Extraction system which will capture dust from your machinery, and safely transport it away from the workspace to a designated receptacle for safe disposal. Air Plants Dust control systems can be used for the capture of many types of dust such as wood dust, plastic dust, plasterboard dust, metal dust, food dust and more. A full list of dusts which Air Plants extract can be found here.
An Air Plants Dust Extraction system, often described as an LEV system (Local Exhaust Ventilation), will usually comprise of bespoke dust collection hoods, correctly sized extraction ducting, highly efficient dust filter system and dust extraction fans. As Air Plants manufactures all dust extraction equipment ourselves in the UK we will ensure that all of the equipment is designed to work together seamlessly for excellent LEV test results and dust collection. Read more about Air Plants dust extraction filter types on our product pages here.
As dust is created by the factory machinery this dust is effectively captured inside the extraction hood and sucked away down the ductwork to the filter system. The Air Plants dust filter will remove the dust particles from the airstream, eventually clean air is discharged after the dust filtration process has taken place. A separate dust transfer process will then discharge the dust waste from the filter either into a waste disposal receptacle or, commonly with wood dust, to a silo for recycling as sustainable biomass energy.
What is the process of dust extraction?
Dust extraction is the process of removing airborne dust particles, particularly where arising from a production process in a factory. Dust extraction systems will filter the air to capture fine dust, such as wood dust or plastic dust, and clean the air in your premises. Air Plants Dust Extraction are specialist manufacturers and installers of dust extraction systems for all applications, please see our product pages for more information on the ranges we offer.
Is dust extraction a legal requirement in the UK?
Yes, dust extraction is a legal requirement in the workplace. The Health & Safety at work Act 1974 places general duties on employers to ensure that workers are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from their work activities. This includes dust from machinery such as in a woodworking factory, which can be hazardous to health if breathed in.
Who needs a dust extraction system?
Any workplace, such as a factory or workshop, that uses fixed machinery or handtools to complete processes that create dust will require a dust extraction system. Air Plants offer a wide range of dust extraction systems to suit every industry and every type of dust, please contact our team for advice based on your own circumstances.
Should my dust extraction system be installed indoors or outdoors?
Is dust covered by COSHH regulations?
Yes. The Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations state that employers must protect individuals against the risks of dust from manufacturing processes. These risks include respiratory illness as well as dust explosion and combustion risks. Air Plants offer a full design service to help our customers meet all regulatory requirements for dust control, LEV design and dust extraction best practice.
What are the UK dust exposure limits?
The workplace exposure limit (WEL) for general respirable and inhalable dust will vary depending on the specific type of dust. Please contact Air Plants to discuss your dust types and our experienced dust extraction engineers can advise regarding your dust type, and suggest an Air Plants extraction product that will adequately control the dust you are producing.
What is the best dust extractor?
Does my dust extraction system need to be ATEX compliant?
Most likely, yes. Air Plants will advise on the correct dust control solution and extraction system based on your individual circumstances. Please contact Air Plants to discuss, or start the design process with our extraction system design tool here.
What is ATEX?
What is COSHH?
What is a DSEAR assessment?
Do I need to service my dust extraction system?
Do Air Plants offer servicing and maintenance for dust extraction?
Yes, we have a skilled and experienced team of service engineers covering the whole of the UK. Please visit our service and maintenance section for further info and to get in touch.
