Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MAY 2023 13 that creates suction, and a filter or cyclone that separates the dust from the air. Today, there are also a variety of technologies available that can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of dust extraction, making it an even more powerful tool for combatting dust related issues of all natures, not just those relating to employee health and wellbeing. High level of protection One major development in dust extraction technology is the use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. HEPA filters are designed to capture even the smallest particles of dust, making them particularly effective for environments where dust is a major issue and ensuring the highest level of protection for staff. Air cleaning through large- scale ventilation may seem like a primary option for many businesses, however on-tool extraction directly at the source could stand to drastically improve facilities. This involves the use of high vac systems to transport the waste to a centralised location for easy disposal, or to intermediate pre-separators for potential recycling, depending on the nature of the dust and other particulates extracted. Damage to machinery In addition to protecting the people within a business, a considerable benefit of on-tool extraction is the elimination of particles which could cause damage to machinery, therefore avoiding costly breakdowns and unplanned maintenance. Just as the accumulation of dust over time in an employee’s system can lead to major health implications, the same can be said for a range of equipment which is exposed to the particles within the same environment, especially those which require effective air intake and expulsion in order to operate. The risk of machinery and equipment overheating due to blocked ventilation from dust is of critical importance since dust can also be highly combustible. Due to its dry nature and ability to spread over large areas, equipment overheating and sparking could have devastating consequences. If there is enough combustible dust, mixed with air, then all it needs is a source of ignition to cause an explosion. Explosions can cause loss of life and serious injuries as well as significant damage. Preventing releases of dangerous substances, which can create explosive atmospheres, and preventing sources of ignition are two widely used ways of reducing the risk. Using the correct equipment to remove dust particles from the working environment can help greatly in this, and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) place duties on employers to eliminate or control the risks fromexplosive atmospheres in the workplace. COSHH states that the primary method of dust removal should be at its source, and a proper in-house cleaning schedule could actually reduce or eliminate the requirement for ATEX zoning for potentially combustible environments. That said, it is no wonder that leading companies in many industries are now adopting high vac solutions. These include aircraft manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, body shop repair firms, wind turbine manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, electronics manufacturers, and the food industry. Productivity Finally, and while maybe not of the most importance to many, is the effect of dust build up on the appearance of a facility. Equipment, machinery and spaces covered in dust appear unclean, outdated and unprofessional – three things most businesses would actively avoid as perceptions from visiting customers or suppliers. Similarly, for employees, working in a space which is uncared for can lead to low staff morale, affecting productivity, as well as high staff turnover creating additional needs for recruitment and training which can slow down production and efficiency greatly. Appearance may not be everything but even within commercial environments, it has its role to play. Dust is an issue for many reasons within commercial and industrial environments, however, the underpinning issue is one of safety and efficiency. Ensuring spaces are properly outfitted with the best dust extraction solutions is essential in safeguarding both the business and its people for the long term. More information can be found at www.dustcontrol.uk FEATURE AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION