Dust particles generated in a wide range of manufacturing and production processes can pose significant health hazards if they are not controlled effectively.
Exposure to dust cause respiratory diseases, skin irritation and eye problems, and, in some cases, can result in deadly explosions if left to accumulate in the atmosphere.
Dustcheck has manufactured effective dust control equipment since 1978 and works with a wide range of customers to ensure the air in their production facility is clean, safe to breathe, and compliant with all relevant health, safety and environmental regulations.
As part of Filtermist Limited, Dustcheck is able to offer customers comprehensive support for all aspects of dust extraction.
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“Regulations including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002) require exposure to hazardous, potentially explosive substances to be prevented or minimised as much as possible,” says Graeme Bell, Filtermist's Global Commercial Director, who has worked in the dust extraction industry for 30 years and now heads-up the Dustcheck sales team.
“It's widely recognised that installing an LEV system to extract and filter contaminated air at source is the best way to ensure hazardous substances do not enter the workplace.
"Correct design of all dust control systems is vital. Our team provides customised extraction systems depending on specific client requirements and will select which dust filter is used depending on the characteristics of the dust that needs extracting."
“At the beginning of each project, our dust LEV experts establish exactly what substances need removing. If the substance in the air is classified as explosive, such as flour or aluminium dust, ATEX rated explosion mitigation will be incorporated into the design of the LEV system. This can have implications on the position of the filtration unit - ideally the unit should be located outside so that in the event of an explosion occurring the blast is outside away from works personnel, rather than inside, the factory.
“However, when this isn’t possible effective suppression systems can be incorporated into the system design.
“As well as vented explosion relief panels, certified ATEX equipment including anti-static filter bags, earth bonds, and non-sparking components can all be used to handle potentially explosive particulate. Explosion isolation valves and fire dampers can also be incorporated into the ducting if necessary to prevent propagation of explosions or fire spreading in the event of an incident.
“We consider all aspects before recommending specific dust extraction LEV system components," says Graeme.
Explosion relief is also a consideration for Filtermist’s LEV engineers when they undertake routine LEV Tests on dust extraction equipment.
“Filtermist's aftermarket team carries out a comprehensive risk assessment as part of all LEV Tests and if this shows that the system is being used to extract potentially explosive substances, the Filtermist engineer will check to make sure ATEX rated panels are in use," continues Graeme.
“If they are missing, the engineer will include a recommendation that they need installing immediately in the report submitted to the customer. Filtermist strongly advises that all of its recommendations are acted on, but in hazardous environments this is even more important as it can mean the difference between a safe or hazardous working environment.
“All employers have a duty to protect people from exposure to dust particles - nowhere is this more important than in environments where potentially explosive dust is created," concludes Graeme.
Dustcheck dust collectors can be purchased as stand-alone filtration units, or as part of a larger extraction system which can be designed, installed and commissioned by Filtermist's dedicated Projects Team.
Visit Filtermist's website to read about what other factors should be considered when specifying a suitable dust extraction system that needs to comply with COSHH and DSEAR regulations, or contact our team now to discuss your requirements.