M Class Dust Extraction

Controlling dust is imperative on every job site and the HSE in the UK has laid down stringent guidelines which should be followed. This isn’t just for the sake of it. Because dust is harmful. It’s as simple as that. M Class Dust Extraction is the answer.

In this Toolstop Guide we’re going to cover M Class dust extraction and answer 3 important questions:

1. Why Do I Need M Class Dust Extraction?

2. What is M Class Dust Extraction?

3. M Class Dust Extraction – What Equipment is Available?

The HSE has published figures which state that around 8000 people each year in the UK alone lose their life due to cancer caused by inhaling hazardous dust particles. In addition, around 39,000 people each year suffer from respiratory health issues due to inhaling dust particles. Let’s put that first number into perspective: in the UK in 2015, 1732 people were killed in road traffic accidents. Therefore, you’re almost 5 times more likely to die from harmful dust inhalation at work than you are in a car crash.

To quote the HSE’s guidelines on dust control:

"Regularly breathing construction dust can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – which includes emphysema and other breathing difficulties) and silicosis. Silica is the second biggest killer of construction workers after asbestos."

As if these shocking numbers weren’t enough of a deterrent, the HSE will issue fines of up to £2000 where insufficient dust control isn’t being used.

You are almost 5 times more likely to die from a respiratory illness due to dust inhalation than in a car crash.

What jobs are most likely to create harmful dust particles, which could result in lung problems or even death? Again, according to the HSE:

"Some of the most common construction jobs create high dust levels. Because these jobs often involve the use of power tools like cut-off saws, grinders, breakers and sanders. Therefore there is a legal duty for employers to prevent or adequately control worker exposure to construction dust. On-tool extraction is an effective control for this dust and will reduce the risk of ill health."

Let’s now consider the difference between the classes of dust extraction and why opting for an M Class dust extractor is the way to go.

When you’re choosing a dust extractor, paying attention to the classification of the filter system is important. In the UK there are 3 classes in this regard:

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

The L, M and H stand for Low, Medium and High, respectively.

L Class dust extractors are usually the most affordable option, and it can make sense for many tradespeople to decide to pick one up for their kit. L Class is fine for when you only work on soft wood, as L Class is virtually what’s found in a typical domestic vacuum cleaner. They’re designed for trapping the sort of dust that won’t do you any long term harm.

As you can see, though, from the figures above, M Class traps – ie. doesn’t allow back out into the air – 99.9% of dust. In other words, it’s significantly more efficient at keeping harmful dust particles from entering back out into the air you breathe. An M Class extractor won’t necessarily have a higher rate of suction than an L Class one, but the filtration system is more efficient, and the unit will sound an alarm when the filter is becoming clogged.

A key feature to look for when choosing an M Class dust extractor is an anti-clogging function. You’ll notice this working to help prevent the filter from clogging up; listen for a distinct banging sound as the filter is internally “thumped” to de-clog it.

M Class dust extraction is the minimum rating allowed on site by HSE guidelines.

M Class dust extractors are vital for use with hardwoods, board materials like MDF or when working on brick or concrete. The latter two, in particular, require M Class extraction as the minimum allowed level of dust control per the HSE’s guidelines.

At Toolstop we stock a huge variety of dust extractors to keep you safe, as well as keep the workspace tidy. You can find L Class, M Class and H Class all available for next working day delivery. Below we have highlighted 3 of our top picks for M Class Dust Extractors. Take a look at their main features and benefits:

Across the EU, guidelines, rules and regulations are in place to help reduce the number of yearly fatalities due to the inhalation of harmful dust particles. Because your health matters more than speed or convenience and as a result, owning and using an M Class filter is imperative. It’s the law if you work on site, and it’s just good common sense for everyone else, particularly when working on brick or concrete. Take a look below at some of our must have dust extractors and vacuum cleaners at Toolstop. From domestic household use to industrial vacuum cleaning, we have the solution for you!