Due to the nature of the processes involved in food production, dust caused by applications such as tipping, grinding and milling is one of the main risks to employee health within a food manufacturing facility – with the HSE citing exposure to flour dust as the UK’s second most common cause of occupational asthma.
“Efficient powder and dust extraction systems are critical components in food processing facilities.”
Removing mists caused by spraying vegetable oils in food production processes is also very important. If left in the atmosphere, oil mist can cause health risks as well as posing a fire and slip hazard. It can also affect the quality of the products being manufactured, causing unnecessary wastage.
All food and drink manufacturers are required to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH) regulations, which provide a framework for the management of hazards including the assessment of health risks, the prevention of exposure where possible, adequate control of exposure, and the monitoring, surveillance, and examination of the work environment.