What is M-Class Dust?
M Class (medium risk) dust includes wood dust, dust from repair compound, filler and clear coats, dust from cement, concrete and tile cement, quartziferous materials such as sand and pebbles, and even paints such as latex and oil paints. The occupational exposure limit for M Class dust is >0.1 mg/m3, which means you need a dust extractor that catches 99.9% of the dust.
What is M-Class Dust Extraction Vacuum?
M Class dust extraction vacuum is the minimum allowed on site by Australian Government, Workplace health and safety guidelines. M Class dust extractors are vital for use with hardwoods, board materials like MDF or when working on brick or concrete.
Why Should I Use M-Class Dust Extraction Vacuum?
Regularly breathing Construction Dust can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and silicosis. Construction workers have a high risk of developing these diseases because many common construction tasks can create high dust levels.
Respirable Crystalline Silica: Dust extraction & Respirators
With Australian governments, safety regulators and health authorities acting to target unsafe work practices where respirable crystalline silica (RCS) may be present, you must ensure your workplace is compliant with requirements for dust extraction and other health risk preventative measures. Where vacuum cleaners/dust extraction are used to control airborne RCS on construction sites, they must be fit-for-purpose. This means acceptable options will depend on both the type of tool and the type of material being used. See the guide below.
General purpose vacuum cleaners are not designed for use with hazardous dusts, even those fitted with a HEPA filter
M & H-class vacuums and dust extractors meet the requirements of AS/NZS 60335.2.69:2017 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Particular requirements for wet and dry vacuum cleaners, including power brush, for industrial and commercial use (IEC 60335.2.69 ED 5, MOD)
Consideration must also be given to ensuring dust does not become airborne when emptying and disposing of captured material.
The Difference Between The Classes of Dust Extraction Vacuum
The classification of the filter system is important for Construction sites.
There are 3 classes of Dust extraction:
L Class (Low Risk) Dust L Class (low risk) dust includes simple house dust and materials such as soil. The occupational exposure limit for L Class dust is >1 mg/m3, which means you need a dust extractor that catches 99% of the dust.
M Class (Medium Risk) Dust M Class (medium risk) dust includes wood dust, dust from repair compound, filler and clear coats, dust from cement, concrete and tile cement, quartziferous materials such as sand and pebbles, and even paints such as latex and oil paints. The occupational exposure limit for M Class dust is >0.1 mg/m3, which means you need a dust extractor that catches 99.9% of the dust.
H Class (High Risk) Dust H Class (high risk) dust includes dust containing carcinogenic or pathogenic particles as well as mould spores, asbestos, mineral fibres, bitumen and artificial mineral fibres such as glass wool. The occupational exposure limit for H Class dust is >0.1 mg/m3, which means you need a dust extractor that catches 99.995% of the dust.
| Construction dust - all power tools(including drills) | Construction dust - drills only | Any work involving stone benchtops |
| M-class or H-class | Tool-mounted, HEPA-filtered dust collector | H-class |
What M-Class Dust Extraction Vacuum are Available?
M Class dust extraction should be the default choice for Construction Sites where concrete, mortars and man-made wood products are being worked.
DeWalt DWV902M-XE 1400W 38L M Class Dust Extractor Vacuum Cleaner
Includes:
1 x 4.6m x 32mm extraction hose, 1 x 35mm AirLock adapter, 1 x Stepped Rubber AirLock adapter, 1 x Dust bag
Features:
Constant suction power even with the finest concrete and wood dust
M Classified to meet EU legislation
The filter is automatically cleaned every 15 seconds reducing filter clogging and delivering constant air flow
On/off switch to stop the automatic filter cleaning if required. Reset function automatically activates the automatic cleaning system for the next switch on.
Wet and dry pick up with variable suction control allows for the reduction of suction power if required
Large rear wheels
Front handle/bumper
Protect hose connection
Rugged telescopic handle
Increased durability and portability
Specifications
Power: 1400W
Take Off Rating: 1000W
Max. Airflow: 4080l/min
Capacity: 38L
Wet/Dry Capacity: 18.4L
Height: 695mm
Length: 520mm
Weight: 15kg
Metabo ASR35M-ACP 240V 35L 1400W M-Class Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Includes:
1 x Antistatic suction hose, 1 x Connection bush, 1 x Handle adapter, 2 x Plastic suction pipes, 2 x Polyester filter cassettes (M class), 1 x PE Filter bags, 1 x Crevice nozzle, 1 x 300mm Wide Floor nozzle
Features:
For extraction from the power tool in continuous mode, both on construction sites and in the workshop
Especially suited for extracting concrete and rock dust
Compact vacuum cleaner for liquids and dry solids with commercial registration
Power socket for a power tool for using the automaticalstart-up/shut-down of the vacuum cleaner
AutoCleanPlus: saves both costs and time thanks to automatic MPulse filter cleaning during continuous use
If the optimum suction performance falls below a certain level, the filters are vibrated immediately
High user protection: certified in accordance with EU standard for M class dusts
Automatic shut-down when vacuuming liquids once the maximum fill level is reached
Warning signal on shortfall of the minimum volume flow to protect the user
Optimum suction power by preselection of the hose diameter
Automatic trailing mechanism for emptying the suction hose completely
Antistatic basic equipment prevents static charge when using appropriate accessories
Sturdy thanks to especially large wheels and castors with wheel stop
Cable winding mechanism
Practical accessory case and storage area
Specifications:
Air output max.: 3660 / 130 cfm
Vacuum: 248 hPa (mbar) / 3.6 psi psi
Filter surface: 8600 cm²
Input power max.: 1400W
Container volume: 35l
Suction hose: 35mm
Hose length: 4m
Cable length: 8m
Weight: 16 kg
Karcher NT 30/1 Tact Te M 1380W 30L M-Class Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Includes:
Suction hose, 4 m, Suction Tube, 2 piece(s), 0.5 m, Filter bag, Fleece, Wet and dry floor tool, 360 mm, Crevice nozzle, Connector for electric tools, Power tool autostart, Antistatic Optional, Flat pleated filter, PES, Sturdy bumper, Protection class, I, Castor with brake, Filter cleaning, Tact filter cleaning
Features:
Dust Class M, certified filtration of 99.9% for hazardous dusts such as silica
Sensor controlled TACT system – patented fully automatic filter cleaning for uninterrupted, continuous use
Electronic filter detection and acoustic warning signal if air flow drops due to blockage etc. for maximum safety when dealing with hazardous dusts
Power take off with automatic on/off function and safety fuse overload protection for AU/NZ compliance
Optional Dust Class H (HEPA) PTFE filter available for wet and dry applications in highly hazardous environments
Specifications:
Energy use: 1380W
Type of current: 220 - 240V / 50 - 60Hz
Air flow: 74l/s
Cacuum: 254mbar / 25.4kPa
Capacity: 30L
Phases: 1Ph
Nominal accessory size: 35mm
Sound pressure level: 69dB(A)
Dimensions (L x W x H): 560mm x 370mm x 580mm
Weight (without accessories or cable): 14.2kg
Festool CTM 26 E FS 1200W 26L M Class Wet & Dry Dust Extractor
Includes:
1 x Self Cleaning Filter Bag, 1 x Antistatic Smooth Suction Hose (D27mm x 3.5m ), 2 x Floor Nozzles (27mm / 36mm), 1 x Plastic Curved Hand Tube (36mm), 1 x Plastic Tube Set (36mm), 1 x Cover for Intake Manifold, 1 x Integrated Hose Garage, 1 x SYS-Dock with T-LOC Function, 1 x Cable Wrap
Features:
Festool dust extractors have integral automatic electronic switch on/shut off functionality and a smooth delay start up to avoid power surges
The flat filter design allows the filter bag to unfold easily and expand to use almost 100% of its capacity. Hold more dust in a more compact extractor
Super strong and yet super small, the high power turbine provides considerable higher suction power but takes up very little room
Can be retrofitted with the Bluetooth® module (not included) to allow the extractor to be controlled via the remote control on the suction hose and started automatically when a Festool cordless tool with Bluetooth® battery pack is switched on
Tool and accessory systainers and Festool's Work Centre can be securely attached via the Sys-Dock system. Transport all your tools at once, effortlessly and efficiently
The hose garage and cord holder keep the suction hose and mains cable tidily stored, eliminating tripping hazards. The locking brake and large wheels ensure complete stability
Specifications:
Power consumption: 1200W
Max airflow: 3900l/min
Max vacuum: 24,000Pa
Filter surface area: 6318cm²
Max capacity:
Container: 26L
Filter bag: 24L
Dust approval rating: Dust class M - Medium risk
Max wattage of connected tool: 2400W
Power cord: 7.5m
Dimensions (L x W x H): 630mm x 365mm x 540mm
Weight: 13.9kg
Makita VC3012M 1200W 30L M-Class Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner Dust Extractor
Includes:
1 x Tube holder Snap, 1 x Straight Pipe Set, 1 x Crevice nozzle, 1 x Curved Hand Tube, 1 x Tube Holder Hook, 1 x Power Tool Adaptor, 1 x 36mm Outer Sleeve, 1 x Floor nozzle, 1 x Suction hose 32mmx4m, 1 x Fleece filter bag, 1 x Plastic disposal bag
Features:
Approved for dust class M of EC regulation
Easily converts from industrial wet and dry vacuum to dust extraction
1200W motor with 25kPa max sealed suction performance
Power tool activation for vacuum on and off
Specifications:
Continuous rating input: 1200W
Air pressure (water column): 25.0kPa
Max air flow: 3.7m³/min
Tank capacity (dry): 30L
Cord: 7.5m
Noise Level: 59dB
Weight: 10kg