Health and safety paramount in cleaning
October 1st 2004 A huge legal responsibility lies on those responsible for cleaning up hazardous dusts in industry to ensure that it is carried out without affecting the health and safety of employees.
Alto distributor,The Maintenance and Supply Company based in Brentwood as specialist cleaning distributors are only too aware of legislation governing the use of safety vacuums for the removal of hazardous dusts and their legal obligation to specify the correct classification of vacuum to the customer.
On receiving an enquiry from a customer who had a contract for cleaning a bakery testing facility they contacted Alto for advice. In subsequent discussions it became apparent that in order to comply with the ATEX directive which places the onus on the user or employer to ensure that the equipment used complies with the directive for the safe removal of hazardous dusts, the contractor would require a B1 classification vacuum for the removal of flour dust. Flour dust when removed using a conventional vacuum has the capacity to explode.
Fortunately these risks have been recognised and technical solutions found which remove the risk of ignition. Safety vacuums for the removal of combustible dusts are constructed in such a way that static electricity if safely routed to earth and the motors used do not create sparks.
When the contractor was made aware of the legal obligations, he quickly recognised that Alto could provide a correct solution and after an on-site demonstration purchased an Alto SQ690-3M/B1 safety vacuum cleaner for use at the facility.
For further information on legal responsibilities relating to hazardous dust removal contact Rick Hollebon on the number below or use the enquiry number: More articles from Nilfisk-ALTO: | 
