Since January 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has carried out a series of inspections at large bakeries across the UK.

HSE Inspectors are checking that employers are effectively protecting workers from exposure to dusty ingredients, including flour, bread improver enzymes, and other powdered materials. 

The inspections focus on whether bakeries are following the guidance outlined in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. This means assessing if workplaces are: 

  • Eliminating dusty processes where possible 
  • Substituting lower-dust alternatives 
  • Using engineering controls, such as local exhaust ventilation 
  • Relying on respiratory protective equipment only as a last resort 

HSE inspectors are also reviewing health surveillance programmes to ensure that employees exposed to dusty ingredients are being monitored appropriately. 

“I urge employers to carefully consider dusty processes, eliminating risk and substituting to prevent exposure.”

— Mike Calcutt, Deputy Director, HSE’s Engagement and Policy Division 

The Health Risks of Dust Exposure 

Dusty ingredients in bakeries pose a serious health risk to workers. Flour dust, in particular, is a common cause of occupational asthma in the UK, while other powdered ingredients can also trigger respiratory sensitisation. 

Repeated exposure to dust can make the airways hypersensitive. Once a worker becomes sensitised, even small amounts of dust can provoke symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In many cases, these conditions are irreversible. 

High-risk tasks include: 

  • Dusting flour during dough handling 
  • Tipping, dispensing, or weighing dry ingredients 
  • Cleaning up flour or powdered ingredient spills 

Unchecked dust can linger in the air, increasing the likelihood of long-term respiratory issues. Protecting your workforce requires a combination of process controls, effective cleaning, and ongoing health surveillance. 

Solutions for Managing Dust in Bakeries 

Industrial Vacuums: Safe, Efficient Dust Control 

Effectively controlling dust not only protects your workforce but also improves cleanliness, productivity, and compliance with HSE regulations. While a combination of measures is important, one of the most practical and effective solutions is the use of specialist industrial vacuums. 

A number of the Industrial Vacuums within the Klipspringer range have been specifically designed for dry, powdered ingredients like flour, spices, and bread improver enzymes. 

There are also ATEX options certified for Zones 21 and 22. They provide a safe, reliable solution for managing dust in ATEX areas. Key features include:

  • Brushless motor for long service life. Turbine motors are also available.
  • Filtered air system for motor cooling and exhaust – different filtering systems to supress dust contamination.
  • AISI 304 stainless steel construction for filter chamber, tank, and cover.  
  • Star filter available in multiple media options e.g. HEPA filters and M Class (as standard).  
  • Most models feature a tangential inlet and integrated manual filter cleaning. However, some ATEX options feature a central inlet.
  • Available in multiple power options: 400 V three-phase, 240v, or 110v. 
  • Different collection options available for the secure containment of dust, including the Longopac options.

This vacuum effectively removes dust without stirring it into the air. It is compatible with a wide range of ATEX-approved attachments that ensure every cleaning task, from factory floors to hard-to-reach areas, can be handled safely. 

View the complete range of Industrial Vacuums
View the complete range of ATEX Vacuum Accessories

Supporting Measures for Dust Control 

While Industrial Vacuums form the cornerstone of dust management, we recommend complementing them with other control measures: 

Effective Cleaning

Regularly remove dust using appropriate tools, avoiding methods that stir particles into the air.

Extra-soft brush bristles or hygienic double-blade squeegees could help you to maintain a safe environment, but only if they align with your site’s existing policies.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ensure operatives understand the risks of dust exposure and wear correctly fitted protective equipment, such as masks and glasses, when necessary.

PPE should be used to supplement other control measures, not as the sole means of protection.

Training and Visual Management

Reinforce key safety messages with clear visual signage that highlights essential actions.

This includes using the right equipment, cleaning up spills immediately, maintaining a ‘clean-as-you-go’ approach, and wearing appropriate PPE.

NOTE: It is important that you weigh up the introduction of any new equipment against your site’s existing policies. You should also consider the expectations of your customers and relevant auditing body.

For a deeper dive into these measures, you can explore the following help guides:

How to control dust emissions in a food factory environment
Understanding ATEX Environments in the food production industry

Klipspringer can help you to protect your workforce and meet HSE expectations with an effective dust control strategy.  

For more information or to discuss your site’s requirements, contact us on
 01473 461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, use the form below to share your details.

If you would like further information relating to compliance in this area, the Klipspringer team would be happy to help. Share your details below.