An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a dust extraction test record is
A dust extraction test record documents checks on extraction equipment — capture at the tool or machine, ducting, filters and discharge — that controls dust such as wood or metal dust at source. It often overlaps with the wider examination of local exhaust ventilation.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template and does not replace the competent-person examination of extraction systems where the applicable law requires it.
Purpose
- Confirm dust extraction still captures dust effectively at source.
- Check capture, ducting, filters, discharge and any indicators.
- Identify reduced performance for action.
- Support control of exposure to harmful dust.
Who completes it
- Users carry out routine checks of indicators and capture.
- A competent person examines and tests the system periodically.
- The employer arranges examination and acts on findings.
- Maintenance keeps filters and ducting in good order.
When it is used
- On routine checks before or during dusty work.
- On the periodic examination cycle for the system.
- After a change of process, tool or filter.
- When capture clearly drops or a filter warning shows.
Typical fields
- System identity, the process and dust it controls.
- Date, the person and whether it is a routine check or examination.
- Capture at the point of use, airflow or indicator readings.
- Ducting and filter condition and the discharge.
- Defects, action required and sign-off.
- Example fields only — adapt to the system and the dust it controls.
Common mistakes
- Working with extraction that no longer captures the dust.
- Letting filters clog so airflow drops.
- Treating dust extraction as exempt from periodic examination.
- No benchmark to judge whether capture has fallen.
Document workflow
The dust extraction record works with the LEV inspection record, the relevant exposure assessment and the maintenance record. A system not controlling dust should trigger repair, filter change and re-test, and a review of the safe system of work.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a dust extraction test record.
Retention (high level)
Records are typically kept for a period set by the applicable law and the employer, often several years for examinations. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Records are commonly stored as PDFs with the extraction system’s history. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the test official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Arrange routine checks and periodic examination of extraction.
- Keep filters and ducting maintained and clear.
- Act when capture of dust has dropped.
- Keep extraction, LEV and exposure-assessment records together.
Worker notes
- Use the extraction as intended and report when it seems weak.
- Do not block or disconnect capture hoods.
- Report a full or warning filter.
Country considerations
Requirements for controlling dust and examining extraction, and the official authority, vary by country. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for controlling exposure to harmful dust and ensuring extraction is maintained and examined, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not constitute an examination and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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