Posted By Jon B
Part of our operations involve grinding grain and otehr products to a flourlike consistency. we can show the rooms involved do not require zoning under DSEAR, and dust levels are well below the WEL for flour and Grain dust (less than 50%.

We have improved further with dust extarction and these units are modified to reduce and mitigate risks form dust explosion.

Our OH consultants have however advised we replace dry brushing with vacuuming and suggested a H class vacuum is appropriate for the associated health effects. They do not though consider the risk of explosion form the dust in the vacuum.

Having looked at various vacuums there is a clear distinction between the health / explosion risk factors. While the vacuum does is not needed for use in a zone 22 atmosphere do we still need an ATEX model because we are vacuuming explosive dust? I do not want the fork out £1500+ if a £500 H class vcauum will suffice, nor do i want to waste £500 then find the ATex Type was required. I know manufactures would err on the side of caution and advise the more expensive type.

Can anyone offer advice or point me in the direction of sound independant informatiohn .

Regards

Jon

Posted By Salus
Hi Jon, the problems u have are from inhaling the dusts and explosion risk.
Consultants offer advice, sometimes not practical / sensible or cheap (for the situation).You seem to have your house in order "as far as is reasonably practicable" and are doing enough to control those risks.
It is up to u if you follow their advice, but this seems to be increasing risk by introducing a spark / ignition source to the area, you then have other issues, PA testing / manual handling / training for the equipment / trip hazards / how will you ensure the filter is doing its job (testing)/ storage,maintenance of the hoover.
Would it be better if u use a hoover, how often is the work carried out / how long does the job take, how many emplyees carry out the work. PPE should be used as a last resort but in some circumstances its fine. Does your risk assessment identify the consultants advice as a control measure, did you have any input in carrying out the risk assessment.Can u not dampen the area down slightly before sweeping.Other than that it is up to u, just manage the risk adeqautely. Hope this was of some help.

Posted By Jon B
Thanks for the constructive comments. I may have been a bit ambigous in my posting.

I am satistfied that we do not have an explosive atmosphere within the room and that using a H class vacuum is apprpriate for controlling the CoSHH aspects of grain and flour dust, I have approval to purchase before the satrt of the season in July.

I understand that assumimg the vaccuum is functioning correctly, the dust will be contain in the bag / container and therefore protected from iginition. I have however seen older normal vacuums chock full of dust. ATEX equipment will protect against the risk in the external atmosphere but are they required toi protect against the risk of explosion within the vacuum itself or does a normal H class industrial vacuuum suffice? My logic stemming from our use of anti static bags, earth bonding etc within our dust extraction units.

Regards

Jon B