OSHA’s 2017 standards have recently made silica dust management a top priority for contractors. Milwaukee Tool is committed to eliminating silica dust on the job site. Their new Gen 2 M12 HammerVac Universal Dust Extractor is critical in simplifying dust compliance. The latest product offers a universal solution that ensures compliance with OSHA Table 1.
Generation II M12
The new M12 HammerVac Universal Dust Extractor includes multiple user-demanded features while providing universal dust compliance for SDS Plus drilling. The M12 has a couple of-a-kind features. It is the only extractor with an automatic filter cleaning mechanism for an on-board dust extractor. The M12’s one-of-a-kind AUTOPULSE Filter Cleaning Mechanism automatically knocks the filter to empty dust after each use. It’s also the only dust extractor that includes a dust box with a vacuum port. The port allows the user to empty the dust box without silica exposure.
- The dust box is also translucent, so users can see when it’s getting full.
A universal handle allows the extractor to fit any SDS plus rotary hammer, regardless of brand, corded or cordless. Furthermore, the drilling capacity of the new M12 is now up to 8 inches in depth. Large and small dust nozzles are included to accommodate up to 1-1/4 inch diameter drill bits. The larger capacity allows the Gen 2 to accommodate broader user applications.
2017 OSHA standard
OSHA’s 2017 silica dust regulation states that any concrete application that produces dust now requires dust extraction, suppression, or elimination. Under OSHA’s control methods, a rotary hammer drill must have a commercial shroud or cowling with a dust collection system. The drill must operate according to manufacturer instructions to minimize dust emissions. The dust collector must provide airflow recommended by the manufacturer and have a filter with the following:
- 99% efficiency
- Filter-cleaning mechanism
