2 minute read
Creating a healthier work space
CREATING A HEALTHIER WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Creating healthier working environments for tradespeople is not a new topic. With an estimated 13,000 deaths per year, according to a 2017 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report, as a result of exposure to dust and chemicals at work, it is unsurprising that authorities are getting stricter on enforcing regulations to ensure safer working environments.
Advertisement
From kitchen worktops that contain plastics, coated manmade board for decorative effects, timber treated to last many years, waterproof boards with a high cement content – all these materials need to be cut, shaped, sanded and edged. And what the materials are made from and the long-term effects on health, needs to be taken into consideration.
Thankfully, these days, minimising the amount of harmful dust in the work environment is simple as dust extractors can be directly connected to power tools, removing most of the dust produced at the source. If the harmful dust produced from cutting, shaping and sanding can be removed close to the source, then the health issues that tradespersons face can be greatly reduced.
New innovative dust extractors, such as the Festool CTM MIDI, have integrated Bluetooth technology that enable the dust extractor to be started automatically when a cordless power tool is switched on. Several Festool dust extractors also have an AUTOCLEAN (AC) function which automatically cleans the filter at intervals to ensure consistently high suction power. These features are all designed to make working with dust extraction even easier and intuitive for tradespeople.
Dust extractors are obviously key to healthier working environments. However, the design of the power tool right at the beginning can also assist in reducing the dust. MULTIJETSTREAM 2 pads on sanders, for example, optimises the intake and exhaust of air. This not only ensures more effective dust extraction but also enables the abrasive to remain dust-free for longer and therefore be used for longer.
With power tools designed to optimise dust extraction and dust extractors designed to connect perfectly to the tools, this system approach from Festool allows you to meet any challenge. With the right tools the negative affect on your health and those around you can be greatly reduced. To discover more about the Festool dust extractor and working dust free visit:
