We have a laser cutting machine, which causes dust to be extracted into a bin under the machine, the operator has to empty the bin on a weekly basis, I am trying to find out if the dust is Carcinogenic or not, I have asked the manufacturer for information, but not heard anything back, I have asked to send samples to the lab, but the company wont pay, has anyone got one of these machines

As post #2, it will depend on what your are cutting. Common metals? No If you know what you are cutting, how would sending dust particles from the cut material to the lab tell you if the material is carcinogenic? The dust should be the same as what you are cutting - assuming no changes to the chemical composition caused by the cutting process. Of which I don't think there will be. Why would the machine manufacturer know about the carcinogenic properties of what you are cutting? They have no control over this, so are unlikely to pass comment. Sounds like you need to a bit of literature research as a first port of call.

Terry, we cannot help you without knowing the kinds of materials you are cutting. Have a look at the HSE search results for a flavour: http://www.hse.gov.uk/se...q=laser%20cutting%20fume