Wood Dust Can Harm Lungs and Fuel a Fire

Controls to confirm

• Capture at the machine: use effective dust extraction with correctly positioned hoods and sound connections. Check the airflow indication and report poor capture before continuing. Use the assessed respiratory protection where needed, in addition to extraction; tight-fitting masks require a suitable face fit.
• Clean without raising a cloud: follow the planned cleaning schedule, including places where dust accumulates out of sight. Use a suitable industrial vacuum, at least Class M for wood dust. Do not sweep or use compressed air. Vacuum selection must also address the assessed explosion risk; filter class alone does not establish explosion safety.
• Protect the collection system: keep ignition sources away and maintain extraction and waste collection equipment under the approved inspection programme. Report damaged ducting, unusual heat or signs of fire promptly. Have competent people assess fire and explosion protection; do not improvise changes to a collector or its venting.

Today’s action

Check one woodworking station before use: confirm extraction performance, the cleaning method and who will resolve any dust-control defect.

Source guidance

Authoritative guidance checked 2 November 2026. Apply the legal requirements and approved procedures for your location.

• HSE — Wood dust: extraction, airflow checks, respiratory protection and safe vacuum cleaning
• HSE — Woodworking fire and explosion: safe extraction and collection systems
• HSE — Explosive atmospheres: selecting vacuum cleaners for combustible dust hazards