What are the different dust classes?
Dust that is produced while working is divided into three classes.
This process specifies the extractor's suitability for any given dust class and the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC).
The dust classes also define the filter system's required degree of filtration for dust-free work. The different classes are as follows:
• Dust class L
• Dust class M
• Dust class H
Dust in dust class L is considered to be "slightly" hazardous.
Dust class L therefore includes simple and harmless dust, e.g. household dust, soil, lime, paint and varnish.
Moreover, a maximum extraction permeability of 1% applies to all dust in this class with a maximum occupational exposure limit of more than 1 mg/m³. This is because the lower the occupational exposure limit value, the more harmful the dust.
It is also vital to choose the dust class of your mobile dust extractor according to the material you use.
Dust in class M is referred to as "moderately" hazardous and includes wood, concrete, cement, screed, copper and borax.
This class is used for dust with an occupational exposure limit value of more than 0.1 mg/m³.
The permeability of the extractor should be 0.1% in order to enable dust-free work.
Meanwhile, dust class H comprises "highly" hazardous dust, such as germs, bacteria, asbestos, viruses, mould, cadmium, formaldehyde, potassium dichromate and carcinogens.
This class applies to all dust with a maximum occupational exposure value lower than or equal to 0.1 mg/m³ and a maximum extraction permeability of 0.005%.
For more information on working with dust and other hazzardous substances plesase see our Dust Safety page, download our working with Dust brochure or check out one of the many videos Festool TV Australia has on working with dust and using dust extractors.
This process specifies the extractor's suitability for any given dust class and the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC).
The dust classes also define the filter system's required degree of filtration for dust-free work. The different classes are as follows:
• Dust class L
• Dust class M
• Dust class H
Dust in dust class L is considered to be "slightly" hazardous.
Dust class L therefore includes simple and harmless dust, e.g. household dust, soil, lime, paint and varnish.
Moreover, a maximum extraction permeability of 1% applies to all dust in this class with a maximum occupational exposure limit of more than 1 mg/m³. This is because the lower the occupational exposure limit value, the more harmful the dust.
It is also vital to choose the dust class of your mobile dust extractor according to the material you use.
Dust in class M is referred to as "moderately" hazardous and includes wood, concrete, cement, screed, copper and borax.
This class is used for dust with an occupational exposure limit value of more than 0.1 mg/m³.
The permeability of the extractor should be 0.1% in order to enable dust-free work.
Meanwhile, dust class H comprises "highly" hazardous dust, such as germs, bacteria, asbestos, viruses, mould, cadmium, formaldehyde, potassium dichromate and carcinogens.
This class applies to all dust with a maximum occupational exposure value lower than or equal to 0.1 mg/m³ and a maximum extraction permeability of 0.005%.
For more information on working with dust and other hazzardous substances plesase see our Dust Safety page, download our working with Dust brochure or check out one of the many videos Festool TV Australia has on working with dust and using dust extractors.