Dust emission limit values
The harmful effects of wood dust when inhaled are known. This is especially true for the substance
produced in the processing of carcinogenic hardwoods, such as oak or beech. In addition, the
inhalation of wood dust can cause asthma and allergic reactions to the skin during prolonged
contact.
For (hard) wood dust, a limit value in the air of 2 mg/m³ is applied at the workplace as an average at
8 hours of exposure. When acquiring new woodworking machines, it is assumed that no more dust
is released in operations than a maximum of 1 mg/m³ (emission value).
When ventilation air is recirculated, the air may never contain more wood dust than 10% of the limit
value after filtering. For the concentration of wood dust in return air this is therefore 0.2 mg/m³.
This means that we must first take the source measures (avoid dust emissions) and also take other
measures, such as the shielding of workers and the extraction of the wood dust.
In principle, a minimum air flow of 20 m/s must be ensured in the suction pipe. In certain cases (e.g.
high machining volumes, high feed speeds or wet chips), there may be higher air speeds (up to 28
m/s) required for effective suction. However, suction speeds above 28 m/s are generally not
technically feasible.
Personal Protective Equipment
If exposure to wood dust cannot be avoided, the employer must provide the employees with
personal breath protection and ensure that they are actually used. They must be sufficiently present
in the workplace. Of course, these must meet a number of requirements, such as fitness for the
purpose, comfort, hygiene, etc.
Wood dust, however, causes other risks. In addition to a layer of dirt that precipitates in the
workshop, the wood dust can block machines, bearings and motors and hinder the overall progress
of work.
Recommended measures for the handling of wood dust are:
Choose (wood) material that causes as little substance as possible;
Choose a working method that distributes less dust;
Choose tools with a good (point) suction;
Care for maintenance of suction equipment and tools;
Clean the workplace regularly by sucking, so do not swipe;
Use for removing wood dust an industrial vacuum cleaner and not compressed air.
Provide information and instruction on wood dust and preventive measures
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