If your business creates or handles dust from materials like wood, flour, grain, plastic, metal, or chemicals, then dust control isn’t just a best practice. It’s a legal requirement in the UK.
Whether you’re operating in manufacturing, logistics, food production, or any environment with airborne particles, proper dust extraction is essential to keeping people safe, protecting your equipment, and meeting your legal obligations.
Several UK regulations cover dust control in the workplace. The most relevant are:
DSEAR
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (2002, updated 2016)
DSEAR deals with the risk of explosion or fire from flammable substances, including dust.
When fine dust particles are suspended in the air in certain concentrations, they can ignite or explode when exposed to heat or a spark. DSEAR requires employers to:
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Identify explosive dust risks
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Classify hazardous zones (e.g. ATEX Zones 20, 21, 22)
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Take measures to remove or reduce the risk (usually by installing proper dust extraction systems)
COSHH
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (2002)
COSHH is focused on protecting worker health. Many dusts, including those from wood, flour, silica, and some metals, are classed as hazardous under COSHH.
Regular exposure to these particles can lead to:
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Respiratory diseases
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Skin irritation
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Long-term illnesses like asthma or even cancer
COSHH requires businesses to:
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Identify hazardous substances
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Assess the risks
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Put in place appropriate control measures (like Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), which includes vacuum and extraction systems)
Failure to comply with COSHH can result in fines, enforcement notices, or prosecution.
Why Dust Extraction Matters
Dust may seem harmless at first glance, but in many workplaces, it can become a serious safety risk. Without proper extraction, dust can:
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Accumulate in machinery, causing malfunctions or overheating
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Reduce air quality, leading to chronic respiratory illnesses
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Present combustion or explosion hazards when mixed with air
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Lead to regulatory breaches, fines, or site closures
The Role of Professional Dust Extraction Equipment
Effective dust control isn’t just about sweeping or cleaning up after the fact, it’s about capturing dust at the source before it can spread into the air or settle.
Professional vacuum systems, like those made by Ruwac, are specifically designed for use in:
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Hazardous zones (ATEX-rated for explosive atmospheres)
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High-volume dust environments
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DSEAR and COSHH-regulated sites
How Motion Cleaning Machines Can Help
We work closely with Ruwac to supply high-performance industrial dust extraction systems tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re dealing with combustible dust or hazardous particles, Ruwac machines help you:
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Stay compliant with UK legislation
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Create a healthier working environment
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Protect staff, assets, and operations from avoidable risks
Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem
If you’re unsure whether your current setup meets legal requirements or if you don’t have a dust control system in place, now is the time to act.
Contact us today for expert advice on choosing the right ATEX-rated or COSHH-compliant dust extraction solution for your workplace.
