[Music playing throughout]
Craft design and technology departments in teaching establishments must comply with the
COSHH Regulations to protect staff and pupils from the dangers associated with wood dust.
Over the last 5 years centralised vacuum extraction systems specifically designed for the education
market have become available.
These extract dust from multiple machines simultaneously and incorporate plug in points
for portable tools and floor and bench cleaning.
The system is ATEX compliant.
These systems operate at higher pressures and velocities than traditional systems.
Performance can be maintained even with long duct runs.
They can be fitted with automatic valves at each hood to overcome the problems of blast
gates or dampers being left open and reducing the effectiveness of extraction.
Airflow indicators are fitted as standard.
Blockages are reduced by using grills to stop large items entering the system.
The dust extracted from each machine is transported through discrete ducting back to the central
collection point.
These systems also incorporate plug in points for portable tools and for floor and bench
cleaning.
This keeps the workshop clean and free from dust and avoids the need to brush surfaces.
On starting machines automatic valves open to start the extraction.
This ensures the extraction is always on when required.
The use of variable speed drives ensures that when more machines are in use the variable
speed drive will increase the fan speed and the correct extraction flow rate will be applied
to each machine.
This will also control energy consumption and noise.
The low noise outputs of these systems mean that they’ll always be quieter than the
machines.
This makes the teaching workshop quieter.
This is a key advantage for teachers when communicating with pupils under instruction.
Systems are fitted with a bag full indicator that will automatically stop extraction and
machines.
Automatic filter cleaning ensures that extraction performance is maintained.
Dust bags can be sealed in situ reducing the risk of exposure to wood dust.
Full dust bags fit into purpose built trolleys reducing lifting and the risk of back injury.
[Video showing wood lathe]
This is a wood lathe being used without any extraction and with normal lighting.
It’s hard to see the amount of dust being produced from the machine but if we change
the lighting conditions we can clearly see how much dust is being produced and escaping
into the air.
Here is the exact same test only this time with an extraction arm connected to a centralised
vacuum system.
This clearly shows the dust being effectively captured by the hood before it can enter the
operator’s breathing zone.
Predesigned work identified that in teaching the maximum required extraction would be for
50% capacity.
These systems are designed to take account of the required level of use by only operating
when machines are on and therefore the total required system volume flow can be managed.
Exceptional demands are monitored and machines will not operate if there is insufficient
extraction.
These systems are flexible, low noise and cost effective.
There is only one filter to be changed.
Variable speed fan drives and automatic dampers ensure that the system is only providing extraction
for the machines in use.
This makes it the system of choice if you want to reduce your energy consumption and
help reduce your carbon footprint.
Following installation each system is commissioned in accordance with HSG258 guidance and supplied
with user manuals and log books.