BS 8520-3:2009 vs Non-Certified Asbestos Vacuums: What's the Difference?

Understanding the Critical Difference

When purchasing an asbestos vacuum, you'll notice a significant price difference between BS 8520-3:2009 certified Type-H vacuums and cheaper "industrial" or "HEPA" vacuums. So what exactly are you paying for, and why does it matter? This guide explains the crucial differences that could affect both your legal compliance and worker safety.

What is BS 8520-3:2009?

BS 8520-3:2009 is the British Standard specification titled "Conformity assessment - Part 3: Code of practice for the use of ULPA filtered local exhaust ventilation equipment for the removal of asbestos dust during maintenance and repair work."

In simple terms, it defines the minimum requirements for vacuums used in asbestos work in the UK. These requirements go far beyond just having a HEPA filter.

Key Requirements of BS 8520-3:2009

A certified Type-H asbestos vacuum must meet these standards:

1. ULPA H14 Filtration

The vacuum must use an ULPA H14 filter (not just HEPA H13) which captures 99.997% of particles at 0.12 microns. This is crucial because asbestos fibres can be as small as 0.1 microns.

2. Minimum Airflow Requirements

The vacuum must maintain a minimum airflow velocity of 20 metres per second at the tool head to ensure effective capture of asbestos fibres. Most certified vacuums include a built-in airflow indicator that alerts you if airflow drops below this threshold.

3. Secondary Filtration

Certified vacuums must have a pre-filter stage before the ULPA filter to extend the life of the main filter and prevent damage from larger debris.

4. Sealed Construction

The entire vacuum system must be completely sealed with no leakage points. All joints, seals, and connections must prevent any possibility of fibre escape.

5. Safe Filter Disposal

The filter must be designed for safe removal and disposal without exposing the operator to contaminated material. This typically means sealed filter bags or containers.

6. DOP Testing Certification

Each vacuum must be DOP tested (Dispersed Oil Particulate test) before first use and every six months thereafter to verify the filter is working correctly.

7. Electrical Safety

The vacuum must meet BS EN 60335-2-69 electrical safety standards for commercial vacuum cleaners.

What About "HEPA Filter" Industrial Vacuums?

Many industrial vacuums claim to have "HEPA filters" and may appear suitable for asbestos work. However, these vacuums typically fail to meet BS 8520-3:2009 requirements in several critical ways:

Filter Rating

Most industrial vacuums use HEPA H13 filters (99.97% at 0.3 microns) rather than ULPA H14 filters (99.997% at 0.12 microns). While this sounds like a small difference, it represents a significant reduction in protection against the smallest asbestos fibres.

No DOP Testing

Industrial vacuums are not DOP tested before sale and have no provision for regular re-testing. You have no way to verify the filter is actually working as claimed.

Insufficient Airflow

Many industrial vacuums don't maintain the 20 metres per second minimum airflow required by BS 8520-3:2009, meaning they won't effectively capture all asbestos fibres.

Unsealed Design

Industrial vacuums may have small leakage points around joints, hose connections, or the motor housing. Even tiny leaks can release dangerous asbestos fibres back into the air.

Unsafe Filter Changes

Standard industrial vacuum filters are typically changed by opening the unit and manually removing the filter - a process that could expose you to concentrated asbestos dust.

The Legal Position in the UK

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require that equipment used for asbestos work is "suitable and sufficient." The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance document HSG248 specifically references BS 8520-3:2009 as the appropriate standard for asbestos vacuums.

Using a non-certified vacuum for asbestos work could result in:

• HSE enforcement action including prohibition notices
• Prosecution for breaching safety regulations
• Insurance invalidation if an incident occurs
• Void warranties on asbestos removal work
• Reputational damage to your business

Real-World Safety Implications

The differences between certified and non-certified vacuums have serious real-world consequences:

Scenario 1: Filter Failure

A non-certified vacuum's filter develops a small tear during use. Without DOP testing, you won't know the filter has failed. The vacuum continues operating, but now it's releasing asbestos fibres back into the air. Workers and building occupants are being exposed without anyone's knowledge.

Scenario 2: Insufficient Airflow

A standard industrial vacuum doesn't maintain adequate airflow. As you vacuum asbestos material, some fibres aren't captured and become airborne. Over time, this repeated exposure accumulates, increasing mesothelioma risk.

Scenario 3: Filter Change Exposure

When changing a filter on a non-certified vacuum, you must open the unit and manually remove the contaminated filter. Without proper sealed disposal systems, this single task can expose you to more asbestos than an entire day's work using proper equipment.

Why Are Certified Vacuums More Expensive?

BS 8520-3:2009 certified Type-H vacuums typically cost £400-£800, compared to £100-£200 for industrial HEPA vacuums. The price difference reflects:

• ULPA H14 filters - More expensive than standard HEPA filters
• Sealed construction - Requires precision engineering and quality materials
• Airflow monitoring - Built-in sensors and indicator systems
• Safe filter disposal - Sealed filter bag systems
• Initial DOP certification - Professional testing before sale
• Design and testing - Meeting BS 8520-3:2009 requires extensive R&D
• Compliance documentation - Certificates, test reports, user manuals

When you consider that a mesothelioma claim can cost millions of pounds and take decades to manifest, the extra few hundred pounds for a certified vacuum is a minimal investment in safety.

Can I Use a Standard Vacuum for Non-Licensed Asbestos Work?

No. Even for non-notifiable asbestos work (work below HSE notification thresholds), you're still required to use appropriate equipment that meets BS 8520-3:2009 standards. The regulations don't distinguish between licensed and non-licensed work when it comes to equipment standards.

This includes:

• Asbestos surveying and sampling
• Domestic asbestos removal projects
• Maintenance work on asbestos-containing materials
• Emergency response and cleanup
• Fire Service operations

Common Questions

Q: Can I upgrade my industrial vacuum to meet BS 8520-3:2009?

No. BS 8520-3:2009 certification isn't something you can retrofit. The entire vacuum must be designed and manufactured to meet the standard, then tested and certified by an accredited body.

Q: What if I see an asbestos vacuum without BS 8520-3:2009 certification?

Don't purchase it. Some suppliers sell "asbestos vacuums" that aren't actually certified to BS 8520-3:2009. Always verify that the vacuum comes with proper certification documentation.

Q: Are American or European asbestos vacuums acceptable?

International vacuums can be acceptable if they meet or exceed BS 8520-3:2009 requirements and have appropriate UK certification. However, verify they're DOP tested and come with UK-compliant documentation.

Q: Can I use my certified vacuum for regular cleaning between asbestos jobs?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Using a Type-H vacuum for general cleaning subjects it to unnecessary wear and increases the risk of damage. Keep your asbestos vacuum dedicated to asbestos work only.

Making the Right Choice

When purchasing an asbestos vacuum, ensure:

• ✓ It's certified to BS 8520-3:2009
• ✓ It includes initial DOP certification
• ✓ It uses ULPA H14 filters
• ✓ It has an airflow indicator
• ✓ It comes with sealed filter bags
• ✓ You have access to re-testing services
• ✓ The supplier provides proper documentation

At Atrix Vacuums UK, every Type-H asbestos vacuum we supply is fully certified to BS 8520-3:2009, includes 6-month DOP certification, and comes with comprehensive documentation to ensure your compliance.

Don't risk your workers' health or your business's reputation with non-certified equipment. The few hundred pounds you might save simply isn't worth the potentially devastating consequences.

Need a BS 8520-3:2009 certified asbestos vacuum? Browse our Type-H Asbestos Vacuum range or call our technical team on 0800 756 1331 for expert advice.

All Atrix Type-H asbestos vacuums are supplied with full BS 8520-3:2009 certification and 6-month DOP test certificates as standard.