FUME AND DUST EXTRACTION IN THE WORKPLACE by VODEX LTD

Health & Safety is paramount in the workplace and investing in proper fume and dust extraction systems should be a key focus to protect operators from inhaling dangerous particulates and fumes.

Under HSG258 COSHH Regulations employers must carry out risk assessments to identify or areas where LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) is required or controls over ignition sources are needed (Read More) (hazardous places) and also those places where they are not (non-hazardous places) as these may come under ATEX classification for explosive atmospheres.

Many gases, vapours, mists and dusts can all form explosive atmospheres with air given the right parameters.  Hazardous area classification is therefore essential to identify places where, because of the potential for an explosive atmosphere, special precautions over sources of ignition are needed to prevent fires and explosions.

Hazardous places are classified into ‘Zones’ which distinguish between places that have a high chance of an explosive atmosphere occurring and those places where an explosive atmosphere may only occur occasionally or in abnormal circumstances.  DSEAR defines a place where an explosive atmosphere may occur in quantities that require special precautions to protect the health and safety of workers as hazardous.   A place where an explosive atmosphere is not expected to occur in quantities that require such special precautions is deemed to be non-hazardous.  

Dusts in particular can be classified into the following zones:

Zone 20 A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently.

Zone 21 A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.

Zone 22 A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.

Choosing the right LEV System

Here at Vodex Ltd in Southampton we specialise in extraction systems for many industries.  The right choice of extraction system is very much dependent upon the application and budget available and impossible to be specific in this article.  We can advise and supply various forms of extraction systems from small recirculating filter systems for fumes and vapours, to walk in booths for heavier dust applications.

We supply Solder Fume Extraction for Electronics Engineering, Adhesive and Solvent fume extraction systems for Manufacturing Industries, Downdraft benches and Dust Control units for Engineering Industries, Schools and Universities, and even ATEX Fume Cabinets.  We also offer a large range of ATEX footwear – Trainers and Boots - for use in ATEX Hazardous Areas.

Call Vodex today on 02380 815384 or visit www.vodex.co.uk for more information or help in choosing the right system