Surface preparation, equipment and abrasive specialist Mirka has highlighted how important a dust free workshop environment is, both in terms of operative health and finish quality.  

Mirka says that laboratory tests have shown that without dust extraction, dust in the air per kilogram of sanded material is over 200 grams per kilogram and dust on surrounding surfaces is almost 800 grams per kilogram.  These may not seem like large quantities but when they accumulate over a long period of time, they could potentially turn into both a fire and health hazard for the business.
 
These dust particles are microscopic and can contain harmful fragments, which can be a major health issue for employees and could possibly lead to respiratory problems. As a result, businesses should be looking to achieve a dust-free work environment.

Research conducted by DURAG GROUP, a leading independent environmental monitoring and data management company, in laboratory conditions, supported by Mirka, found that sanding with a net abrasive such as Mirka’s Abranet reduces the airborne dust emission per the removed mass at between 99.96 and 99.99% depending on the material.  
 
Investment in a suitable mobile extraction system can also provide an effective solution for a cleaner work space, as well as reducing preparation times, clean up times and the potential dust contamination of other tools and surfaces.  Smaller systems are often used because they are equipped with a local air supply and extraction, and are easy to move and store. However, the system is only as good as the user because it needs to be checked and serviced regularly, so that it works at an optimum level.
 
Mirka says by combining the most effective abrasives and tools with good extraction, a dust-free, healthier environment can be achieved. This will then allow for multiple sanding operations to take place in the same space, optimising finishing processes and increasing efficiency, which is not only good for the long-term health of employees, but also leads to a sustained and healthy business.