Wood dust, dust from repair compound, filler, and clear coatings, dust from cement, concrete, and tile cement, quartziferous materials such as sand and pebbles, and even paints such as latex and oil paints all fall into the M Class (medium risk) category. M Class dust extractor has an occupational exposure limit of >0.1 mg/m3, which means you’ll require a dust extractor that captures 99.9% of the dust.In this blog, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about M-class dust extractors.
What is an M-Class Dust Extractor Vacuum?
The Australian Government’s Workplace Health and Safety Guidelines specify. That a M Class dust extraction vacuum be used on site. M Class dust extractors are essential when working with hardwoods, board materials such as MDF, or brick or concrete.
Why Should I Use an M-Class Dust Extraction Vacuum?
Lung cancer, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and silicosis can all be caused by inhaling construction dust on a regular basis. Because many frequent construction operations can result in high dust levels, construction workers are at a greater risk of developing chronic diseases.
Respirable Crystalline Silica: Dust extraction & Respirators
You must ensure that your workplace complies with regulations for dust extraction and other health risk prevention measures, since Australian governments, safety regulators, and health authorities are targeting risky work practises where respirable crystalline silica (RCS) may be present. Vacuum cleaners and dust extraction must be fit-for-purpose when utilised to manage airborne RCS on building sites. As a result, suitable options will vary depending on the tool and the material being used. See the table of contents for further information.
- Even those equipped with a HEPA filter, general-purpose vacuum cleaners are not suited for usage with dangerous dusts.
- Vacuum cleaners and dust extractors in the M and H classes comply with AS/NZS 60335.2.69:2017. Electrical equipment used in the home and related appliances – Safety – Specific criteria for wet and dry vacuum cleaners for industrial and commercial use, including power brush (IEC 60335.2.69 ED 5, MOD)
- When emptying and disposing of captured material, care must be taken to ensure that dust does not become airborne.
The Difference Between The Classes of Dust Extraction Vacuum
For construction sites, the classification of the filter system is critical. Dust extraction is divided into three categories:
- L Class is a subclass of L. (Low Risk) Dust Simple house dust and components such as soil are included in the L Class (low risk) dust. L Class dust has an occupational exposure limit of >1 mg/m3, which means you’ll require a dust extractor that captures 99 percent of the dust.
- M Class is a subclass of M. (Medium Risk) Dust Wood dust, dust from repair compound, filler, and clear coatings, dust from cement, concrete. And tile cement, quartziferous materials Such as sand and pebbles, and even paints such as latex and oil paints all fall into the M Class (medium risk) category. M Class dust has an occupational exposure limit of >0.1 mg/m3, which means you’ll require a dust extractor that captures 99.9% of the dust.
- Class H (High Risk) Dust, Dusts containing carcinogenic or pathogenic particles, as well as mould spores, asbestos, mineral fibres, bitumen, and artificial mineral fibres such as glass wool, are classified as H Class (high risk). H Class dust has an occupational exposure limit of >0.1 mg/m3, which means you’ll require a dust extractor that captures 99.995% of the dust.
