Respiratory problems such as silicosis can develop from lengthy exposure to dust common to concrete surfacing, ceramic work and masonry grinding. Most equipment produced today for this kind of work is fitted with an inlet meant for a portable dust collector of some kind. Sadly many groups that have the opportunity to work with this protective equipment either work with inadequate vacuums that clog or do not choose to employ dust collection equipment at all. Connecting an industrial pulse filter vacuum to surface preparation equipment is one option that will address the need to contain dusts that will ultimately cause silicosis and related respiratory ailments.
One of the greatest challenges for an industrial vacuum is to collect dense levels of fine dust without clogging. Several filtration packages have been introduced to address this application but nothing is more effective than a vacuum that offers the option of pulsing the filters with compressed air to remove dust build-up. Applications that can benefit from this feature include dry concrete cutting, drywall installation and palm sanding. These vacuums are designed to capture dust as it is generated but they will also contain the dust which is often harmful to the operator.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) notes that more than 1 million U.S. workers are exposed to crystalline silica dust and each year, more than 250 American workers die with silicosis. There is no cure for the disease, but it is preventable if employers take action to reduce exposures. Silicosis has become less common since the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) instituted regulations requiring the use of protective equipment which limit the amount of silica dust that is inhaled. Please review the link below for information about pulse filter vacuums that can also serve as portable dust collectors. Dust extraction at its source is your best option to prevent the many respiratory ailments that can result.
Link to Review Pulse Filter Vacuums by Pulse-Bac: http://www.oakleyair.com/category/pulse_filter_vacuums_for%20concrete_and_drywall.php
Link for Oakley Air Systems: http://www.oakleyair.com/index.php
Kirke Blenkhorn, Sales and Technical Support, Oakley Air Systems, Morrisville, NC. Kirke has been involved with industrial air cleaning equipment and industrial vacuum systems for 4 years. He is responsible for the review of industrial air quality applications and the correct proposal of equipment options to address air quality concerns involving dust collection, oil mist extraction, chemical fume containment and contamination control.
Tags: dust collection equipment, portable dust collector
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