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Safety Alert - Fire in a dust extraction unit
3 October 2018
Safety Services issued a safety alert after a fire in a dust extraction unit.
Earlier this year a fire broke out in a workshop dust extraction unit.
A spark ignited dust and debris which had been allowed to build up for some time.
Action to be taken
To prevent fires and ensure the effective operation of dust extraction units Departments must make sure the risk assessment for dust extraction units states the frequency of:
- cleaning to include the removal of dust and debris from surfaces and emptying of dust receptacles
- inspections (using external specialists, where necessary) to include, but may not be limited to, hoods, ducts and the dust collection unit
- maintenance (specified by the manufacturer)
Departments must also keep written records of all dust extraction unit checks and maintenance to show that it has been done and who was responsible for doing it.