On-Tool Extraction Systems

On-tool extraction captures dust at the point of generation before it becomes airborne, reducing worker exposure dramatically.
HSE enforcement guidance requires on-tool extraction or water suppression for all tasks that generate respirable silica dust.
Extraction systems connect to the power tool via a shroud or hood that surrounds the cutting, drilling, or grinding point.
An H-class vacuum is required for construction dust extraction — standard vacuums do not filter fine respirable particles.
H-class vacuums have HEPA filtration rated to capture 99.995% of particles, including those too small to see.
The extraction system must be switched on before the power tool starts and remain running until dust generation has stopped.
Filters must be cleaned or replaced at the intervals specified by the manufacturer to maintain extraction effectiveness.
The connection between the tool shroud and the vacuum hose must be secure — gaps allow dust to escape into the air.
Bag disposal from H-class vacuums must be treated as hazardous waste if the dust contains silica or other harmful substances.
On-tool extraction combined with RPE provides the best protection, but extraction should always be the primary control.

Stop dust at source	Extracting dust before it becomes airborne is far more effective than trying to filter it with a mask after it is in the air.
HSE enforcement	HSE inspectors will issue improvement or prohibition notices on sites where dust-generating tools lack extraction or suppression.
Invisible harm	The dust that kills is invisible — extraction catches these microscopic particles that RPE alone may not fully prevent.

Do

Don't

Connect on-tool extraction to every power tool that generates dust on site.
Use an H-class vacuum — standard vacuums do not capture fine respirable dust.
Switch the extraction on before starting the tool and leave it running until finished.
Check the shroud and hose connection are secure before starting the task.
Clean or replace vacuum filters at the manufacturer's recommended intervals.
Dispose of used filters and vacuum bags as hazardous waste where required.
Combine on-tool extraction with RPE for maximum dust exposure reduction.
Check that the extraction system is actually drawing air before cutting or drilling.
Request replacement extraction equipment if your current system is damaged or faulty.
Brief workers on correct extraction setup and filter maintenance procedures.

DON'T use power tools that generate dust without on-tool extraction or water suppression.
DON'T use a standard vacuum for construction dust — only H-class vacuums are effective.
DON'T start cutting or drilling before confirming the extraction is switched on and working.
DON'T use extraction equipment with loose or disconnected shrouds and hoses.
DON'T continue using extraction with blocked or expired filters — replace them promptly.
DON'T empty vacuum bags into the open air — dispose of contents as hazardous waste.
DON'T rely on extraction alone as the only control — use RPE as additional protection.
DON'T assume the extraction is working — check the airflow before starting the task.
DON'T use damaged extraction equipment — report it and request a replacement immediately.
DON'T skip training on extraction setup — incorrect use provides a false sense of protection.

See also: Construction Dust Awareness | Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)

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