Portable Dust Extraction Tips & LEV Compliance

Portable dust extraction plays a vital role in protecting workers from hazardous dust exposure.

However, many sites struggle with a simple but significant issue: connecting dust extractors to tools correctly.

Different brands of dust extractors and power tools often come with a wide variety of plastic attachments and reducers, making secure connections challenging.

Key Takeaways – Portable Dust Extraction & LEV Compliance

Poor tool-to-hose connections drastically reduce extraction efficiency and increase dust exposure.
Silicone couplers are flexible, durable, and available in a wide range of sizes.
Portable dust extractors are classed as LEV under HSE guidance and require a TExT.
Insurance inspectors rarely test these units, leading to hidden compliance gaps.

Why Proper Attachments Matter

One common problem we see: hoses taped together, only to fall off repeatedly – causing loss of extraction efficiency and unnecessary dust exposure.

The best solution we’ve found? Silicone attachments.

They are:

Flexible and durable
Available in a wide range of sizes
Include straight couplers, reducing couplers, elbows, reducing elbows, and offsets
Quick, inexpensive, and easy to install

Don’t Forget Your Legal Obligations

Portable dust extractors are considered Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) under HSE guidance.

That means they require a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) regularly to ensure they’re working correctly.

Unfortunately, many insurance inspectors don’t test these units – meaning compliance gaps often go unnoticed.

Need Help With Your Portable Dust Extraction?

If you’re struggling with on-tool extraction setup, hose attachments, or LEV compliance testing, get in touch. Velocity Safety can help you find the right parts, carry out TExTs, and keep your site safe and compliant.