How to keep hire tools in prime condition in the rental industry

Prior to the 21st century, the construction industry and its supply chain were unsure what the HSE expected in relation to selection, use, and maintenance of industrial dust extraction units. As a result, a thorough review of on-tool extraction was carried out by the HSE in late 2011/early 2012 within the construction sector. This helped to lay the foundations for the current CIS36 and CIS69 documents that relate to the control of dust when using on-tool extraction.

The results of the research into hire industry equipment testing and service procedures almost ten years ago, highlighted that more education was needed in the correct use of on-tool extraction. Indeed, the need was also elevated with the increase in use of on-tool extraction across the construction industry.

A key concern revealed by the research was the uncertainty on knowing how to correctly service and maintain an extraction unit, so it is fit for purpose and offers the utmost protection to users. Ultimately, HSE's findings led to the launch of the thorough examination test – TExT.

Following regular correspondence with major industry bodies and backed by the HSE, the HAE then produced a code of practice in relation to the servicing and maintenance of mobile dust extraction equipment that adhered to the TExT. The examination includes checking the low flow warning system on the dust extractor, which, if indeed low, should alert the user via an audible alarm or visible warning light/analogue pressure gauge. It is mandatory for all M (medium) and H (high) Class dust extraction units used in construction to give warning for low flow.

For industrial vacuum units, TExT testing is only required if they are to be used for on-tool extraction. This could include the unit being attached directly to a power tool. However, if the purpose of the vacuum is to be solely used for cleaning, a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) test isn't necessary.

Grinding, finishing, polishing, mortar removal, sanding, cutting, and an array of other construction activities produce large volumes of dust. Different materials produce different dust too, for example, silica and wood dust. Dangerous and easily inhalable, these respirable size particulates can cause exposure exceeding the UK occupational exposure limits if uncontrolled.

Therefore, workers must adhere to the law for the control of dusts when working with these hazardous materials. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, more commonly known as COSHH, is the main legislation covering dusts in construction. Its purpose is to prevent those working in the sector from being exposed to dangerous substances. Where this is not reasonably practicable, however, the risk of exposure needs to be adequately controlled. An optimal way of achieving this is through the application of LEV or water suppression. It should be noted that the latter, however, can create a secondary clean up problem.

Today, most power tools can be purchased or retrofitted with dust capture shrouds. These can be extremely efficient in reducing, or virtually eliminating, dust emissions. It is critical to fit the right shroud on to the right vacuum, as containment after extraction is vital to workers' health and safety. Maintaining an adequate volume flow rate to achieve effective capture and the safe control of process generated dusts, is also of importance.

Furthermore, with on-tool extraction being a form of LEV, it is critical that the dust shrouds are well designed, with the dust extraction unit creating and maintaining enough air movement to be able to capture and remove the dust as fast as it is created - meeting at least the minimum standard for construction dust. Of course, this includes safely storing the dust that is captured.

In accordance with European standards, dust extractors should also be fitted with a low flow alarm when extract velocity in the largest diameter duct falls below 20 meters per second. This allows the unit's mechanisms to maintain the required air flow throughout the period of use in the form of filter cleaning systems.

Dust extraction equipment is a key form of LEV, so they must be properly maintained and inspected. In doing so, the extractors can continue to give the required level of protection when being used by workers in the hire industry. This is a prime example of why thorough examination testing of equipment has become such an integral part of the maintenance procedure.

COSHH requires extraction systems to be thoroughly examined and tested at suitable or specified intervals – the maximum being 14 months. Although, this was based on built systems in factories that are generally unchanged for several years. It is more appropriate to get the equipment tested in regular intervals – ideally after every hire. Health and safety is paramount in the rental industry, so when considering duty of care issues and the fact the machines could be used in a variety of harsh applications by different people in short periods of time, it makes sense to get them tested before use.

Service and testing of extraction units and power tools often involves cleaning them first. A cleaning cabinet facilitates a good method of being able to clean returned hire tools while protecting the health of service users. These units offer a safe and easy way for hire depots to clean off hired equipment.

Equipped with large windows for viewing the tools and built with an integral rotatable trolley to facilitate the cleaning operation, these cleaning cabinets are designed like a fume-cupboard with a door on each side to pull the equipment in and out, with glove holes on the front. They can also be fitted with powerful air cleaners, an integral dust vacuum point and an airline, and come with disposal sacks attached at the bottom to capture heavy dust and used filters.

The three openings on the front side of the cabinet are intended to be used by the operator to clean the equipment, with two of them for the operator's hands and the other functioning as an air inlet. Cleaning of the equipment can then be done through the use of different suction tools, compressed air, and vacuum brushes.

At Dustcontrol UK, we offer a second-generation cleaning cabinet, the DC Box Compact, that is integrated with our powerful AirCube 500 air cleaner as standard.

We have also worked with a number of manufacturers and LEV industry bodies and brought to market our own TExT measuring kit. It comprises a 50mm measuring tube, a digital anemometer, and an extremely simple air flow conversion chart.

We worked closely with an anemometer specialist at our Swedish headquarters to create a fixed pipe-based system that has a universal fitment and provides an actual speed reading. This approach is beneficial for technical managers, regional engineers, workshops, and service providers that are going to be offering TExT services to end users that have their own equipment – as LEV regulations also relate to them.

Overall, to ensure the continued effectiveness of equipment in the hire industry, and to keep construction workers as safe and healthy as possible, the TExT should be performed regularly. It should also take into account the guidance contained in the HSE publication HSG258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work. Suitable records of the thorough examination should be made in accordance with the requirements of COSHH. Further guidance can be found on the HAE website.