What’s the difference between Class M and Class H vacuum cleaner?

Class M and Class H are classifications of vacuum cleaners based on their ability to collect hazardous dust and debris. Class M vacuums are designed to collect dust and debris that is considered moderately hazardous, such as wood dust or plaster dust, while Class H vacuums are designed for high hazard materials, such as lead or asbestos.

The key difference between Class M and Class H vacuums lies in the level of filtration they offer. Class M vacuums must have a filtration system that is capable of capturing 99.9% of particles that are 0.1 microns or larger, while Class H vacuums must capture 99.995% of particles that are 0.1 microns or larger. This means that Class H vacuums are more effective at capturing small, hazardous particles than Class M vacuums.

In addition to their filtration capabilities, Class H vacuums may also have additional features to ensure the safe disposal of hazardous materials, such as sealed dust containers or disposable bags.

In some countries, using a Class H vacuum cleaner is mandatory when working with highly hazardous materials. For instance, in the UK, H-class vacuum cleaners are legally required to remove asbestos.

Class H vacuum cleaners often have noise-reducing features, such as insulated motors or sound-absorbing materials, to make them quieter than Class M vacuums. This is important in industries where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.

Class H vacuum cleaners are generally more expensive than Class M vacuums due to the additional features and higher level of filtration they provide. However, the cost of purchasing and using a Class H vacuum may be outweighed by the potential costs of worker compensation claims or legal fines resulting from inadequate hazardous material control.

The choice between a Class M or Class H vacuum will depend on the specific materials you need to collect and the level of hazard they present. It’s important to choose a vacuum that is appropriate for the materials you are working with in order to protect your health and safety.