What Class Vacuum for Silica Dust?
Understand which industrial vacuum Class is the most suitable for cleaning crystalline silica in your workplace.
31 October, 2024 by
What Class Vacuum for Silica Dust?
Capital Equipment Hire, Emma Vella



What Class Vacuum for Silica Dust?

In this post, you’ll discover the right class vacuum for silica dust and some suitable vacuum options for your workplace.

1. Stronger regulation of crystalline silica

As of September 2024, Safe Work Australia enforced stronger regulatory requirements for exposure to materials containing at least 1% crystalline silica substances, including:

  • mandatory workplace safety assessments

  • increased safety protocols including a silica risk control plan when handling high-risk engineered stone

  • controlled processing of the substance


This comes after an earlier ban on engineered stone in July 2024, adding to the growing list of measures to protect Australians from silica-related diseases.


To assist businesses, Safe Work Australia has developed a Working With Crystalline Silica Substances Guidance resource to summarise the main considerations when working with silica.

View PCBUS Guide

2. Industrial vacuum cleaners as an Engineering Control measure


As part of the guide’s Hierarchy of Control Measures (see page 33), one key Engineering Control that can reduce the risk of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), is using a classified industrial vacuum cleaner.


Engineering controls use physical methods to change the characteristics of a task, including mechanical devices or processes that eliminate or minimise exposure of workers to RCS.

SafeWork Australia • Working with crystalline silica substances, page 33
Due to the filtration efficiency, the right industrial vacuum cleaner can safely reduce RCS levels across many applications and surfaces. There are different ‘classes’ of filtration power that can capture very fine fibrous materials.

3. What class vacuum for silica dust is best?


In short, H Class is the most effective class vacuum for silica waste in the workplace, but M Class is also listed by Safe Work Australia as an acceptable option too.


High hazard (H) dust class vacuum provides 99.995% filtration efficiency compared to Medium hazard (M) class vacuum of 99.90%. Although both are suitable, it is recommended to always use the highest standard of filtration to ensure the most effective dust extraction performance. 


View our previous article that further details the difference between M and H class filters.


Workplace Health and Safety Queensland: 'Classes, filtration and
suitability of industrial vacuum cleaners (AS/NZS60335.2.69)

4. Examples of H-Class Vacuum Cleaners

Here is a list of recommended H Class vacuum cleaners suited for a range of industries and use cases.

5. For Tradespeople - Nilfisk VHS 42 40L Wet & Dry Vacuum H Class

A good size, easy to use, and with a large 42L tank, the Nilfisk VHS42 is a great H Class vacuum cleaner for tradespeople on the go. One excellent feature of this vacuum model is the tool link-up system, allowing trades to connect their equipment such as grinders to the vacuum for effective isolation and collection of dust. Other specs include:

  • 240V power

  • 4m metre long hose

  • wet and dry vacuum capacity

Nilfisk VHS42 40L Vacuum Cleaner
Nilfisk VHS 42 40L Side Tank with Accessories
VH 42 40L Filter Expanded View

6. For Manufacturers - Nilfisk VHB120 Battery Vacuum H Class


Big in scale, easy cordless operation and 1800W of power, the VHB120B is fantastic for large-scale manufacturing operations and is versatile to clean a variety of areas. From high-reach ceilings to wide open floors, this model was designed with a 500mm floor tool and long extension poles to access areas generic vacuums have trouble cleaning. Other specs include:


  • longopac dust bag for safe disposal

  • 36V battery power

  • 90% charge in 2 hours

Nilfisk VHB120 Industrial Vacuum Cleaner High-Reach Accessories
VHB120 Vacuum Longopac
Nilfisk VHB120 Industrial Vacuum Floor Tool Accessory


7. For Manufacturers - Nilfisk VHS120 240V Vacuum Cleaner H Class

Where electric power is preferred, the VHS120 240V H Class is another suitable option for large manufacturing plants. Businesses can undertake DOP testing to check the efficiency of the installed HEPA filter at the time of purchase, providing extra assurance of the filters’ performance. Other specs include:


  • longopac dust bag for safe disposal

  • 2000W power

  • 25L capacity

Nilfisk VHS120 240V Tank Cleaning Bakery
Nilfisk VHS120 240V H Class Longopac Vacuum
Nilfisk VHS120 Industrial Vacuum Lid

8. For Bakeries & Small Areas - Nilfisk VH010 Mini H Class

Fantastic size for smaller business operations, VHS010 meets the Appliances for Combustible Dust (ACD) standards and is suitable for collecting metal, flour and other hazardous materials along with silica. Other specs include:


  • large 30L tank for a compact vacuum

  • High efficiency 950W motor

  • 40mm tool diameter 

Nilfisk VHS010 Mini Vacuum Cleaning Printer
Nilfisk VHS010 ACD Industrial Vacuum Front
Nilfisk VHS010 ACD Industrial Vacuum Top Lid

9. How to choose your vacuum requirement

Now that you know which class of vacuum is required to clean silica substances, choosing the right model for your application is essential. 


Comparing different vacuum models, configurations and power types can be time-consuming and confusing, but we can help simplify your business requirements through our detailed questionnaire. 


In partnership with Nilfisk, we have developed an Industrial Vacuum IVS questionnaire that aims to paint a picture of your business use case to recommend the best model for the job. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete but provides a significant amount of insight for you and for us! If you would like to complete this questionnaire, submit a request below.  

10. Request questionaire