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M Class Dust Extraction

Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 31st Jul 2023

Get the lowdown on M Class Dust Extraction from the Toolstop Blog. We run you through the importance of m class dust extraction on the job site and some of the top products we have available.

The Importance of M-Class Dust Extraction

Dust is a common by-product of many construction and woodworking activities. It is harmful to breathe in, and can even lead to serious health problems. That's why it's important to use M-class dust extraction equipment.

M-class dust extractors are required by law in many countries, including the UK. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK has set M-class dust extraction as the minimum level of dust control required for construction and woodworking activities. In this Toolstop Guide we’re going to cover M Class dust extraction and answer 3 important questions:

  1. What is M Class Dust Extraction?
  2. Why do I need M Class Dust Extraction
  3. What equipment is available?

The importance of dust extraction

Why is M-Class Dust Extraction Important?


Dust is a silent killer, and over exposure can have a number of harmful effects on health, including:

  • Respiratory problems: Dust can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
  • Skin problems: Dust can irritate the skin, causing rashes, dermatitis, and other skin conditions.
  • Eye problems: Dust can get into the eyes, causing irritation, redness, and inflammation.
  • Cancer: Some types of dust can be carcinogenic, meaning that they can cause cancer.

Dust particles can be 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. You don’t need to see them to breathe them in.

The HSE published figures which states that around 8000 people each year in the UK alone lose their life due to cancer caused by inhaling hazardous dust particles. Every week, construction workers die from lung diseases caused by exposure to dust. In addition, around 39,000 people each year suffer from respiratory health issues due to inhaling dust particles. Let’s put that first number into perspective: in the UK in 2015, 1732 people were killed in road traffic accidents. Therefore, you’re almost 5 times more likely to die from harmful dust inhalation at work than you are in a car crash.

To quote the HSE’s guidelines on dust control: "Regularly breathing construction dust can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – which includes emphysema and other breathing difficulties) and silicosis. Silica is the second biggest killer of construction workers after asbestos."

As if these shocking numbers weren’t enough of a deterrent, the HSE will issue fines of up to £2000 where insufficient dust control isn’t being used.

M-class dust extraction helps to protect workers from the harmful effects of dust by capturing the smallest dust particles. This helps to keep the air clean and safe to breathe.

According to the HSE: "Some of the most common construction jobs create high dust levels. Because these jobs often involve the use of power tools like cut-off saws, grinders, breakers and sanders. Therefore there is a legal duty for employers to prevent or adequately control worker exposure to construction dust. On-tool extraction is an effective control for this dust and will reduce the risk of ill health."

Sanding, drilling in masonry, regular drilling and more all require efficient dust extraction to be used, and it isn't just to keep the place tidy. Exposure to dust can lead to severe breathing difficulties and lung diseases that can ruin lives and cause an early death. It can take years before the damage is visible and by then it can be too late.

m class dust extraction

What Does M Class Dust Extraction mean?

 Let’s consider the difference between the classes of dust extraction and why opting for a Class M dust extractor is the way to go. In the UK there are 3 classes in this regard:

L Class

≤ 1.0% Dusts with maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) > 1 mg/m³

M Class

< 0.1% Dusts with maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) ≥ 0.1 mg/m³

H Class

< 0.005% Dusts with maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) < 0.1 mg/m³

The L, M and H stand for Low, Medium and High, respectively.

L Class dust extractors are usually the most affordable option, and it can make sense for many tradespeople to decide to pick one up for their kit. L Class is fine for when you only work on soft wood, as this is virtually what’s found in a typical domestic vacuum cleaner. They’re designed for trapping the sort of dust that won’t do you any harm in the long run. However, it's important to remember that M Class dust extraction is the minimum rating allowed on site by HSE guidelines, so by using an L Class model, you are not adhering to guidelines and could risk being fined should you be caught.

M Class traps – i.e. doesn’t allow back out into the air – 99.9% of dust. It’s significantly more efficient at keeping harmful dust particles from entering back out into the air you breathe. An M Class extractor won’t necessarily have a higher rate of suction than an L Class one, but the filtration system is more efficient, and the unit will sound an alarm when the filter is becoming clogged. This way you will always be on top of emptying the tank.

A key feature to look for when choosing an M Class dust extractor is an anti-clogging function. You’ll notice this working to help prevent the filter from clogging up; listen for a distinct banging sound as the filter is internally “thumped” to de-clog it.

M Class dust extractors are vital for use with hardwoods, board materials like MDF or when working on brick or concrete. The latter two, in particular, require M Class extraction as the minimum allowed level of dust control per the HSE’s guidelines.

H-Class extractors mean 'high hazards' and are usually used for higher hazardous dusts which pose a more serious health risk. Examples include carcinogenic dusts such as lead, carbon, tar, nickel, cobalt and copper.

the importance of m class dust extraction

Why Do I Need M Class Dust Extraction?

If you can see dust, chances are you're breathing it in. Exposure to harmful dust can cause serious long term damage, it's as simple as that. That is why we stress the importance of Class M dust extraction.

Unrated vacuum cleaners are extremely dangerous and can make the problem worse as respirable dust can pass through the motor and be pumped back into the air. This dust then remains airborne for up to 8 hours, where it can be inhaled directly into your lung chamber, where it will remain forever. Approximately 700 people in the UK die every year due to illness relating to the inhalation of respirable dust. Needless to say, this dust also damages your vacuum motor.

Rated vacuum cleaners ensure the safe collection, capture and disposal of harmful dust.

What Equipment is Available?

At Toolstop, we stock a huge variety of dust extractors to keep you safe, as well as keep the workspace tidy. You can find L Class, M Class, H Class and regular domestic vacuum cleaners all available for next working day delivery. Below we have highlighted 3 of our top picks for M Class Dust Extractors for you to take a look at their main features and benefits.

There are also a lot of additional vacuum accessories available on the market today that make dust extraction a whole lot easier. Many tools these days feature built-in dust ports that allow you to connect your vacuum directly to your power tool, or power take off which powers up your dust extractor as soon as you operate your tool. Both of these features are great additions as they eliminate harmful dust from entering the air.


Toolstop's Recommendations

V-TUF MINIHSV240 M-Class Mini Dust Extractor


The V-TUF MINIHSV240 is a lightweight and compact dust extractor with M-Class (HEPA H13) filtration efficiency. This means that it can remove 99.9% of harmful dust particles from the air, making it a safe and effective choice for use in a variety of dusty environments.

It features an integrated filter shaker system that helps to keep the filter clean and free of dust. The filters are also washable, so you can extend the life of the unit by simply giving them a quick rinse when they become dirty.

Available in 110V and 240V.

V-TUF STACKVAC Syncro M Class Wet & Dry Dust Extractor


The V-TUF STACK240 is an M class dust extractor designed to capture dust particles that can be harmful to your health. It has a large 30L capacity tank, so you can work for longer without having to empty it.

It comes with a power tool adapter, so you can connect it directly to your power tools and have the dust extracted automatically. It also has an automatic filter cleaning system, which helps to keep the filter clean and working efficiently.

Available in 110V and 240V.

Dewalt DWV905M M Class Wet & Dry Extractor


The DWV905M is an M class dust extractor, which means it is suitable for use with hazardous dusts such as those from hardwoods, bricks, and concrete. It has a powerful 1400W motor that delivers up to 75 litres of air per second, ensuring that even the heaviest dusts are removed effectively.

The dust extractor features a dual filter system with automatic cleaning, which helps to prevent the filters from clogging and keeps the unit running at peak performance. It has a large 38L tank capacity, which reduces the need to empty the tank frequently.

Available in 110V and 240V.


Dust Extraction Update - October 2021

HSE are visiting construction sites across GB throughout October 2021. Sites of all types and sizes will be visited to check that appropriate measures are in place to protect workers’ lung health from exposure to dust. Employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health of their workers. Failure to pass the inspection could lead to heavy consequences.