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14 Spring 2021 James Miller , Director at Dustcontrol UK, discusses how to keep hire tools in prime condition in the rental industry. THE TExT TEST FOR TOOLS T he past few decades have seen a signi cant development of on-tool extraction on construction sites, helping to mitigate the severity of health risks airborne dusts can present. Such ne dusts can become a primary cause for a majority of non-asbestos lung diseases, including cancers that can develop from long-term exposure. Prior to the 21st century, the construction industry and its supply chain were unsure what the HSE expected in relation to selection, use, and maintenance of industrial dust extraction units. As a result, a thorough review of on-tool extraction was carried out by the HSE in late 2011/early 2012 within the construction sector. This helped to lay the foundations for the current CIS36 and CIS69 documents that relate to the control of dust when using on-tool extraction. The results of the research into hire industry equipment testing and service procedures almost 10 years ago, highlighted that more education was needed in the correct use of on-tool extraction. Indeed, the need was also elevated with the increase in use of on-tool extraction across the construction industry. A key concern revealed by the research was the uncertainty on knowing how to correctly service and maintain an extraction unit, so it is t for purpose and o ers the utmost protection to users. Ultimately, HSE’s ndings led to the launch of the thorough examination test – TExT. Following regular correspondence with major industry bodies and backed by the HSE, the HAE then produced a code of practice in relation to the servicing and maintenance of mobile dust extraction equipment that adhered to the TExT. The examination includes checking the low ow warning system on the dust extractor, which, if indeed low, should alert the user via an audible alarm or visible warning light/analogue pressure gauge. It is mandatory for all M (medium) and H (high) Class dust extraction units used in construction to give warning for low ow. For industrial vacuum units, TExT testing is only required if they are to be used for on-tool extraction. This could include the unit being attached directly to a power tool. However, if the purpose of the vacuum is to be solely used for cleaning, a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) test isn’t necessary. James Miller is the Director of Dustcontrol UK. He has a wealth of experience in helping businesses control and prevent the spread of dust in the manufacturing, engineering, food processing, construction and demolition industries, through providing dust extraction solutions and centralised vacuum systems to t client requirements.