Not quite done & dusted: The lingering risks of wood dust

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, provides insights into the hazards of on-site dust for woodworking professionals and shares essential safety tips to help ensure individuals are properly protected while working

Woodworking professionals face numerous hazards on-site every day – from the obvious risks of sharp objects, powerful tools and heavy materials, to the less apparent yet equally significant dangers posed by dust. Managing these risks is vital to ensure safety and long-term well-being.

Wood dust specifically results from processing wood – whether sanding, routing, sawing or shaping – and can cause immediate irritation to the skin and eyes. Prolonged exposure to fine particulates – respirable dust – can also cause long-term problems. These minuscule particles become airborne and can be inhaled or come into contact with the skin, triggering a range of health issues including asthma and, in some cases, cancer.

Putting measures in place

When using tools such as routers, drills, sanders and saws, it’s crucial to put measures in place to prevent exposure. The HSE states that M-Class dust extractors, which remove 99.9% of dust, should be used when working with wood dust, especially hardwoods and engineered products such as MDF. M-Class extractors are designed to capture a higher percentage of fine dust particles, which are more likely to penetrate deep into the lungs. Why use your lungs as a dust filter when M-Class dust extractors are available?

To make dust management as simple as possible, professionals should look for tools and extractors that work together to streamline the process. Dust extractors offer the most effective solution for controlling dust, as they capture it at source, preventing it from becoming an airborne hazard that can be inhaled.

Innovative features & technologies

Professional power tool manufacturers offer products with innovative features such as auto-start, which automatically turns on the dust extractor when the tool is in use. Technologies like Makita’s Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) connect compatible tools and extractors using Bluetooth, enabling the extractor to run automatically when the tool is activated.

For extractors with power take-off but no built-in Bluetooth connectivity, adaptors are available to enable the same automatic operation with cordless tools. In addition, for increased flexibility, woodworking professionals should consider the latest generation of cordless M-Class dust extractors. These remove the need to locate a power source and reduce the risk of trip hazards, as no power cable is required. 

By eliminating mains power dependence, cordless extractors allow easier, quicker work and make dust management simpler. In particular, it’s worth looking for options that use the same battery platform as cordless tools to minimise the number of different batteries and chargers required.

The hazards of dust exposure should not be underestimated, as it can have a serious impact on long-term health. Recognising the potential dangers and adopting best practices is essential. Choosing tools with features and technologies that help manage and reduce these risks is also an important consideration. 

To find out more about how Makita products can help ensure safe working on-site, visit www.makitauk.com/dust