On-tool Extraction in the Construction Industry: An HSE Discussion Document

[demographic]

PDF I read recently regarding dust control in the construction industry, well worth a read. Especially for the UK builders amongst us.

I'm noticing more and more sites are getting pretty tight on this nowadays and have recently forked out what seems to me a huge sum of money on a class M (Festool CTM26) extractor. I'd far rather be at the start of the curve and able to work on any site than late coming to the party and losing out on good work because I don't have the right kit.

Few short excerpts:

A minimum of a class M unit is used as part of on-tool
extraction systems for silica and wood dust on
construction sites.

• Fire and Explosion Risks within the On-Tool system
38. The final fire and explosion risk is linked to the extraction system itself.
The system is designed to collect a source of combustible material. This will
form a well-mixed dust cloud passing up the suction hose and into the
collection device. Therefore when in use, a dust cloud will almost always be
present inside the equipment at some point. There are three main sources by
which this can ignite:
• Thermite sparks. These are produced from the reaction between
  rusty steel and aluminium, magnesium and their light alloys.
• Electrostatic charge. This is generated where dust passes over
  an insulating surface. Where a stainless steel tool is fitted to the
  end of a plastic hose the tool then becomes an isolated conductor.
It can accumulate electrostatic charge in sufficient quantities to
cause an incendive discharge capable of igniting a dust cloud.
There is a secondary problem with the hoses if they are fitted with
a helical reinforcing wire to prevent the hose from collapsing. A
very high energy spark can be formed if this is either embedded in
the plastic of the hose, or is wound round the outside of the hose.

Any thoughts?

 

[ospb2014]

i know festool do the spark collectors for the ct 33 maybe this could be of use

just a quick link i found many more places to get from though
http://www.festoolproducts.com/Festool-484733-Spark-Trap-p/484733.htm

cheers

ollie