On 30 January 2024, the occupational safety and health authority published the press release "Syöpävaarallisen kvartsipölyn torjunnan valvontakriteerit muuttuvat” (Enforcement criteria for combatting of quartz dust to change). We received a large amount of questions on this subject that we put together on this page as question-answer pairs. The web page will be supplemented in due course.

Questions and answers

​​​​​​​Do the Occupational Safety and Health Divisions of the Regional State Administrative Agencies recommend using certain equipment or equipment manufacturers to combat quartz dust?
The Occupational Safety and Health Divisions of the Regional State Administrative Agencies do not recommend or advertise any individual devices or equipment manufacturers.

What does the term H-class vacuum cleaner mean?
An H-class vacuum cleaner is the H-class vacuum cleaner referred to in standard SFS-EN 60335-2-69.

Does the new requirement also apply to mobile vacuum cleaners, or is it just a dust extraction arm?
This requirement applies to all vacuum cleaners including mobile vacuum cleaners and dust extraction arms. The requirement does not apply to other air processing equipment.

What does the term dust extraction arm used in your press release “Syöpävaarallisen kvartsipölyn torjunnan valvontakriteerit muuttuvat" (Enforcement criteria for combatting of quartz dust to change) mean?
Unclassified local exhaust ventilation refers to vacuum cleaners not manufactured in accordance with SFS-EN 60335-2-69.

Will a document supplied by the manufacturer stating that the device in question is suitable for vacuuming dust containing crystalline silica (for local exhaust ventilation) be enough for the supervisory authority?
The vacuum cleaner must be manufactured for the purpose of vacuuming carcinogenic dust, and this must be clearly stated in the vacuum's operating instructions and technical data.

Will you provide more detailed information on the basis for this requirement for an H-class vacuum cleaner?
The employer must select suitable and safe equipment for the work and working conditions in question. Only class H-class vacuum cleaners are intended for the removal of carcinogenic dust (e.g. dust containing alveolar). Vacuum cleaners in classes L and M are not intended for the processing of carcinogenic dust.

Who can provide an opinion on whether the appliance is a vacuum cleaner or an air purifier/negative pressure unit?
When placed on the market, the manufacturer determines the intended use of the device.

What type of vacuum cleaner should be used when working with paint or plaster dust?
An employer must ensure that the used device is suitable for the purpose in question. When selecting a device, the employer must take into account the hazard classification of the resulting dust and the concentration of the substance known to be harmful (HTP value).

Is there a transition period for this interpretation (H class requirement)?
There is no transition period.