If your team works anywhere near asbestos, a normal vacuum is not an option. Even a good industrial vacuum can blow the finest fibres straight back out of the exhaust. That’s where an H class vacuum comes in.
What The Dust Classes Mean
Industrial vacuums are tested and given a dust class of L, M or H. The class tells you how much fine dust can get past the filter and back into the air.
An L class machine is fine for general dust that isn’t classed as harmful, like everyday dirt in a warehouse. M class is the next step up and it’s what you want for things like wood dust, concrete and silica dust. H class is the top level. It lets less than 0.005% of dust back out, which is why it’s the one used for asbestos, mould spores and other dusts that can cause cancer.
When You Need An H Class Vacuum
Most asbestos work has to be done by a licensed contractor. But there are smaller jobs that don’t need a licence, like drilling a few holes through an asbestos cement sheet or cleaning up a small amount of debris. For that kind of work the HSE’s guidance is clear, you use a Type H vacuum and you never sweep or dry brush the dust.
H class machines also make sense if you deal with lead paint, mould after a flood or certain chemical powders. If you’re not sure which class your job needs, check the safety data sheet or ask your health and safety advisor before you buy.
Using One Safely
Buying the right machine is only half of it. A few things make a big difference day to day.
- Use the right bags and filters for that machine. Cheap copies may not seal properly.
- Change bags carefully and seal them before they come out, then get rid of them as asbestos waste.
- Don’t open the machine up to clean the filter in the workplace unless the maker says you can.
- Have the vacuum checked and tested regularly, and keep a record of it.
A machine that hasn’t been looked after can leak, even if it says H class on the side.
H Class Vacuums We Supply
We stock Nilfisk machines built for this kind of work. The Nilfisk ATTIX 995 0H/M handles H class and M class dust and is also suitable for ATEX Zone 22 areas. For bigger sites the Nilfisk VHW 421 is a heavy duty option that copes with long shifts.
You can see our full asbestos vacuum range online or browse all our industrial vacuums. If you already own one and it needs a service, our repairs and servicing team can help.
Not sure which machine fits your job? Give us a call and we’ll talk it through with you, theres no charge for advice.
Contact Us
Columbus UK, based in Darlington, County Durham, is your total solution for all types of indoor and outdoor cleaning equipment. We supply high-quality industrial cleaning machines to all industries and commercial businesses across mainland Britain.
Our friendly, dedicated team provides expert purchasing advice, professional installation, servicing, and repair support to ensure you have the correct machine for your application at an affordable and cost-effective price.
We cover all areas from Scotland and the North East of England through the West Midlands and down to London, with mobile service and repair support available nationwide.
📧 Email: info@columbusuk.co.uk
📞 Tel: 01325 371 439
🌐 Web: columbusuk.co.uk
