The Client
The client on this project was a family-owned cricket bat manufacturer who wanted to upgrade their existing local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems. The company pride itself on being the world’s largest and oldest company that grow and supply English cricket bat willow. In this case study, learn how we helped transform this small workshop with dust extraction.
The Challenge
Auto Extract Systems were tasked with proposing and installing a comprehensive wood dust LEV system for their 8 rip saw power tools. The aim of the wood waste extraction system was to safely capture and remove wood waste from the working environment. Exposure to wood dust
The LEV system was installed as part of a project to ensure the fabrication workshop meets stringent operational requirements and to work strictly in accordance with HSE’s ‘HSG 258: Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work – A Guide to Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)’ guidance.
The business had identified that a new, comprehensive extraction dust extraction system was required after the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) was lowered for hardwood dusts (including mixed dust) earlier on in 2020. The EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits (Fourth Edition 2020) publication. The long-term exposure limit (8-hr TWA (time-weighted average) reference period) is 3mg.m-3.
Hardwood dust is a carcinogen capable of causing cancer and/or genetic damage in addition to a sensitiser that’s capable of causing occupational asthma.
We’ve put together a Ultimate Guide: What are the Latest EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits?
The Solution
The solution was simple: a crown guard connection on each rip saw. The direct connection enabled a flexible and clear PU hose to connect each saw to connect at source to a centralised run of ducting and through to a filter unit.
With such high volumes of dust produced in their small workshop, a jumbo hopper shaker filter was specified to clean the air. This filter unit was specified for specific use outside and is efficient at handling softwood, hardwood, MDF and sanding wood waste. The filter was positioned on a steelwork frame in order to place a hopper underneath. Waste is discharged through a rotary valve into a skip located underneath.
The filter features an automatic shaking mechanism, which works each time the fan is shut down, whilst the filter sleeves are manufactured from high-quality 350g polyester needle-felt.
The filter was complete with an explosion vent, to ensure it is compliant with ATEX compliant, particularly when dealing with different types of wood.
We specified a fan capable of the duties and airflow rates required to move wood dust away from the working environment and through the fan and filter system to prevent workers from being exposed to wood dust.
The system was commissioned on completion and provided the business with a safe and pollution-free working environment.
Find out more about our expertise in workshop dust extraction.
 | Request a FREE LEV Site Assessment
We’ll call to arrange a convenient time and date to visit your site. We’ll analyse your working processes, assess the substances used and the contaminants generated. We’ll work out how best to control the dust and fume in a way that’s in line with your COSHH risk assessment. Next, we’ll design you a comprehensive LEV system that adheres to HSG258 guidance and send this you to via email. We’ll do all this to ensure we fully understand your dust and fume extraction requirements and help you to provide a pollution-free workplace! This is an amazing service we do for thousands of businesses throughout the UK and Ireland every year. We work with such a wide variety of industries, from manufacturing, industrial, woodworking, pharmaceutical and automotive workshops to schools, colleges and military establishments. Request your FREE, no-obligation LEV site assessment today! |
