Clearing the air: Depending on the industry, dust and fumes can range from an irritant to employees to an explosion hazard. Rodger P Bradley outlines the types of systems available and offers some pointers on equipment selection and maintenance

摘要

Implementing dust and fume control measures is key to providing a safe working environment, with current legislation and best practice extending the scope of control well beyond the factory. Where activity is undertaken that gives rise to hazardous dust and fumes, the definitive requirements for compliance are specified in UK health and safety regulations and a number of EU directives. Across Europe, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work collects, analyses and publishes information - in its Third European Survey on working conditions, it was reported that as many as 22% of employees breathe in vapours, fumes, dust or dangerous substances during one quarter of their working time. Some areas of Europe are worse than others, but everywhere it seems apprentices and blue-collar workers are significantly more exposed than others.