In a bodyshop environment dust is very much the enemy, not only having the potential to seriously affect the quality and efficiency of the work carried out, but also because of the serious impact it can have on employee health. For this reason it is vital that bodyshops have access to the right tools, abrasives and other products that reduce dust and offer protection. 

Bodyshop equipment and abrasives specialist, Mirka, has offered some practical advice on effective ways that a workshop can become a much safer, dust free environment.  

Mirka says that although dust particles may seem insignificant, they can cause major health issues for employees and could lead to respiratory problems. To combat this issue, extraction systems are key. These are increasingly compact and when combined with the right tools, they ensure a dust-free work environment. More and more users are investing in these system because of the significant benefits they offer.

Laboratory tests have shown that without dust extraction, dust in the air per kilogram of sanded material is over 200 grams, and dust on surrounding surfaces is almost 800 grams per kilogram. These amounts accumulate and can become a health hazard. 

Mirka says bodyshops are recognising the risks and investing in mobile extraction systems. Repairers are viewing this as a long term investment that can mean a cleaner workspace, a reduction in prepping and tidying up at the end of the day, and the eradication of dust contamination of other tools and surfaces.  

In addition, a dust-free environment ensures control of the sanding process and allows for multiple work phases to be undertaken in the same room, delivering greater efficiency. It also reduces the risk of ‘dust pills’ and clogging as the dust can no longer collect in lumps on the sanding discs to the same extent and there is no longer a danger that sanded dust will build up and create grooves on the sanding surface and fill up the disc reducing its sanding capacity.

For example, an abrasive such as, Mirka Abranet, maintains its aggressive properties over the entire surface much longer than traditional paper materials that have long wilted and faded, making sanding more even and efficient.

Mirka says other simple steps to going dust free include: 

• Ensure that equipment is regularly serviced for optimum performance.
• Make sure the fleece bag in the mobile extraction unit is not full and does not have any rips or holes. 
• Periodically remove and clean the motor filter. This can be done by placing it in a bag and gently knocking the dust out of the filter. Or better still, use another vacuum or extractor to clean the filter. 
• Make sure that the seal between the tank and upper section of the extractor is clean and not damaged.