From a safety perspective, not all dust collectors are equal. All dust collectors work differently. The basic function of a dust collector is to keep workers and workplaces safer by providing a better quality of air. Dust collector safety is no joke. The following steps can help you ensure you choose the safest system possible:

• Obtain a guarantee of emissions performance from your filter supplier. The most reliable calculation of a filters air quality compliance is mass density efficiency.
• Ensure safe and also easy filter changes. Pick a design that doesn’t require confined space entry to change the bags. This can improve your dust collector safety immensely due to the lesser hazard created.
• Never store dust in the hopper. If dust is left sitting in a hopper, as well as affecting the performance of the system, it can also create a fire or explosion risk. It is a good idea to equip your machine with a device that can discharge the duct into a storage container or drum.
• Use a high-pressure rating dust collector. To avoid a combustible dust explosion you should choose a collector with a thick guage of metal as well as a high pressure rating.
• Defend ductwork against explosion hazards. To minimise the risk of explosion, all ducting should be fitted with dampers and valves.
• Use long-life filters. This reduces the frequency of bag changes which saves time, money and is also more ecofriendly.