June 2023

WORKPLACE SAFETY: PROTECTION FROM BERYLLIUM EXPOSURE

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Beryllium Control

Beryllium exposure is linked to several health risks – risks that can be prevented. Becoming familiar with the different diseases associated with beryllium dust, the best practices when working with beryllium and informing your employees of these risks can protect everyone.

To help, we created the helpful poster below. Download it, print it out, and place it in prominent locations throughout your workspace to remind employees of the dangers of beryllium dust exposure and how to stay protected from its hazards.

DOWNLOAD & PRINT: Workplace Safety: Protection from Beryllium Exposure 

USE OUR PDC-2500 RENTAL FOR YOUR PROJECTS JOBSITE DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Dust Collectors, Industrial Vacuums

As an industrial equipment rental company, we service various types of clients and industries. Because we must service various types of clients and systems, we have so many systems to choose from. As our dust collection equipment production continues to grow, we find that more and more of our customers need tailor-made solutions. These tailor-made solutions are for personalized industry equipment standards and the process of gaining specific equipment tailored to their Jobsite project.

For personalized projects, our Jobsite dust collection systems or industrial vacuums would not make sense to buy. Rentals are the best solution when a project has a small scope, or the vacuum or Jobsite dust collection system will never be needed upon the project completion.

We also offer rental services for multiple vacuum and dust collection systems for mobile Jobsite projects that require equipment to be transported back and forth.

Industrial Equipment Rental Company: What We Offer

If you find that you have a project of small scope or know that you do not require an investment as hefty as an industrial vacuum or dust collection system, then our rental option is the way to go. Including one of our newer systems, the Filt-Aire 2,500 CFM Portable Cyclone, we offer several portables and stationary dust collection systems, and industrial vacuum systems to keep an expansive selection for our customers to choose from.

We have a large rental fleet of diesel and electric Jobsite dust collection systems from 2,000 CFM to 45,000 CFM and the PDC-2500. Just as well, our industrial vacuum rental fleet consists of new Hurricane™ vacuum loaders of all sizes, all completely serviced and ready for delivery to your Jobsite; or pick-up if you are a local customer.

How Does System Rental Work with Industrial Vacuum?

In addition to offering many systems, Industrial Vacuum offers different ways to acquire rented systems with options for pick-up or delivery. For our out-of-state or non-local clients, we offer delivery services to your project site. Our systems are available for rental periods as short as one week to one month or longer depending on the needs of your project or work environment.

We have locations all over the US to make it easy to pick up or have a unit delivered from our closest facility. Below is a list of our stocking locations:

· Ixonia, WI

· San Diego, California

· Seattle, Washington

· Boston, Massachusetts

· Norfolk, Virginia

· Houston Texas

· Youngstown, Ohio

Rent the Filt-Aire 2,500 Portable Jobsite Dust Collection System

Even though it is our newest model, the PDC-2500 is now available for rental. We offer both gas and electric-powered models for indoor and outdoor projects. If you have any questions while choosing a rental machine or attachment, please contact us today!

WORKPLACE SAFETY: BERYLLIUM PROTECTION

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Beryllium Control, OSHA

While the dangers of beryllium have been known for several years, the permissible exposure limit was left untouched until recently when OSHA realized the limit was ineffective. Workers continued to suffer from too much beryllium exposure and it was deemed that the current plan was outdated. With the release of OSHA’s final beryllium rule, foundries are expected to take the necessary measures needed to limit beryllium dust and reduce serious health risks in employees.

Health Risks Workers Face from Beryllium Exposure

Beryllium exposure is linked to several health risks – risks that could be prevented. Become familiar with the different diseases associated with beryllium dust and inform your employees of these risks as well.

  • Chronic Beryllium Disease – also known as Berylliosis (CBD for short), Chronic Beryllium Disease is a pulmonary disease known to result in debilitation or death. Shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats and an unexplained cough are the most common signs and symptoms of CBD. Though some workers develop obvious symptoms early, depending on the person, signs and symptoms can hide until months or years after beryllium exposure. Before CBD can be developed, a worker has to be sensitized to beryllium by either inhaling or exposure to the skin. Mortality rates range from 5.8% to 38%.
  • Acute Beryllium Disease – also known as ABD, Acute Beryllium Disease is a rapid form of chemical pneumonia. ABD is caused through breathing high airborne concentrations of beryllium in the workplace. Beryllium levels at or above 100 μg/m3 is linked directly with the result of ABD and can be fatal in 10 percent of cases. Though ABD is extremely rare today thanks to exposure controls implemented in the 1970s, not having a recurring control plan can put your workers at risk.
  • Lung Cancer – Occupational exposure to beryllium through inhaling beryllium dust particles, mist or fumes is known to increase the risk of lung cancer in workers. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, beryllium is listed as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning a cause of cancer in humans. Additionally, the National Toxicology Program lists beryllium as a proven human carcinogen. The American Lung Association projected 154,050 Americans were expected to die from lung cancer in 2018. As the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the US, eliminating the risks of lung cancer through beryllium exposure is a must.

Being in compliance with OSHA’s updated regulations will result in significantly fewer cases in your workplace.

Guidelines to Comply with OSHA’s required Beryllium Levels

OSHA has publically announced the requirements for foundries and similar workplaces to follow in order to be in compliance. While OSHA has detailed information (opening in new tab) regarding their new beryllium rule and the standards that follow, here are a few guidelines for foundry managers to implement in order to be in compliance and keep workers safe.

  1. The recent beryllium rule reduces the PEL to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/ m3 ) averaged over an 8-hour period. Additionally, the rule establishes a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 2.0 µg/m3 over a 15-minute sampling period. Work practice controls and engineering must be used to prevent excessive beryllium dust particles from becoming airborne.
  2. Access to high-exposure areas must be limited by employers. Respiratory protection should be provided when necessary. When high exposures or dermal contact is possible, employers must also provide personal protective clothing.
  3. It’s the responsibility of the employer to assess beryllium exposure levels, develop and implement an exposure control plan that has been written out and provided to each employee and provide employees with the necessary training when specific to beryllium.

A well thought-out plan and the proper equipment work hand-in-hand with controlling beryllium in foundries. Industrial Vacuum offers machines built specifically to protect both foundry employers and employees alike.

Equipment that provides Unmatched Protection to Workers

Removing beryllium dust particles can be done with two approaches. The first approach is by removing dust particles that are directly in the air. Our dust collectors are designed to collect and filter beryllium dust particles that have become airborne. This means less of your employees will be at risk for inhaling the particles in the air surrounding their work environment.

Another approach removes dust particles that are at rest. Our industrial vacuums collect and dispose beryllium dust from surrounding surfaces, such as walls, machines, tables and flooring. At rest beryllium dust can sensitize a worker through contact with skin. To find out which machine is best for your need, visit our comparison article.

Take the next step in protecting your foundry workers by partnering with Industrial Vacuum. Browse our industrial dust collectors, industrial vacuums or reach out directly and we’ll tag team with you to limit beryllium exposure in your facility.

OSHA’S CRYSTALLINE SILICA DUST STANDARD & HOW YOU CAN REMAIN COMPLIANT IN 2021

Posted on June 19, 2023 - OSHA, PEL

Back in 2017, OSHA took a stand and mandated safety precautions be taken to cut the effect of crystalline silica dust on workers. Evidence shows that workers who expose themselves to crystalline silica dust for prolonged periods of time are more prone to lung, kidney, and even various cancer diseases. There are now 2 million workers in the United States that are still at serious risk of contracting an airborne disease from crystalline silica dust.

OSHA provided permissible exposure limits (PELs) for various industries. OSHA has permissible exposure limits for about 470 toxic substances that are based on the “severity of the health effect, the number of exposed workers, the toxicity of the substance, uses and prevailing exposure levels of the substance, the potential risk reduction, availability, and quality of information useful in quantitative risk assessment to make sure that significant risks are assessed and that workers will experience real benefits in the form of enhanced health and safety” as outlined by OSHA.

The recent PEL silica dust standard implemented in 2017, with a hard deadline of 2020, assessed the overall impact of silica dust. There were standard changes from 2019 to become compliant by 2020, which were:

  • If there is an alternative for cleanup practices, that keeps workers out of harm’s reach (from silica dust), then all alternatives must be used.
  • Business owners are now REQUIRED to give medical examinations for each worker exposed to PEL for 30 or more days. These examinations will be routine and will occur every three years.
  • The most common form of crystalline silica being dust, those subjected to working in the high exposure areas must be trained on how to limit the exposure they experience, and others experience.
  • Medical examinations must be documented and have a consistent record that shows previous exposure, and various data.

Silica Dust Standard Common Mistakes

OSHA is consistently finding companies that are violating the rules set in place. When it comes to violating rules, the penalty will vary in price based on the severity of the situation.  Typically, the least penalty price is $5,000, with the more severe fines ranging up to $70,000 in the United States.

Companies with repeat offenses can receive up to $7,000 in fines a day. These fines are in place to encourage some type of engineering control to protect workers. One of the solutions to comply with OSHA’s dust control standard is to buy an industrial vacuum, or dust collector equipped with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are known for their unmatched abilities by collecting more than 99.97% of dust particulates smaller than 0.3 microns in size.

How Can You Improve Your Facilities?

We know that the most common form of crystalline silica is dust. However, the construction industry is the most at-risk industry with 20-30 percent of silica particulates being in cement and brick airborne dust. To combat this dust, using cutting materials that include water will allow for the dust to congeal in the blade, resulting in a lack of airborne substances.

For the inside of your facility, ventilation is key. Ventilation can be provided through various means, but dust collection systems are equipped with trapping, and catching most dust before it has the chance to be inhaled.

How Can You Comply in 2021?

If you are now following all the recommended measures above, then your facility or workplace should be 2021 certified. However, if you find yourself in the fracking industry, come June 2021, the deadline for engineering control will be enforced. This is because crystalline silica dust is found in the sand while fracking.

The fracking industry deadline is similar to the PEL compliance deadline; however, this industry was allotted more time. The fracking industry is going to be one of the most difficult to make sure all areas of exposure are limited.

We urge you to read through our other blogs on crystalline silica dust, dust in general, and how to comply with PEL compliance deadlines.

If you find yourself not complying with the above regulations, our dust collection systems are types of engineering control methods that will reduce the hazards in your industry. If an industrial vacuum is better equipped for your industry, look through which model will provide the most relief, and accommodate your work. Consider reaching out if you cannot find what you are looking for. With OSHA’s guidelines requiring engineering control, we encourage you to consider your workers when providing this control method in your facility.

IS YOUR MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN NEED OF AN INDUSTRIAL DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM?

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Dust Collectors, OSHA

The title manufacturing facility encompasses a broad range of industries that do a range of operations. Which leads to the question, does your industry fall under a manufacturing facility, should you be implementing a dust collection system in your industry, how will a dust collection system help you in your industry, and what is OSHA’s standard suggesting you need a dust collection system? Let us here at Industrial Vacuum assist with your inquiries.

Is my industry a manufacturing facility?

Manufacturing facilities consist of any industry producing a finished product, usable product, or someone/something involved in the construction realm. Some of these industries include, but are not limited to:

Does my manufacturing facility need a dust collection system?

If you are in an industry involving coal handing, cement fabrication, metal fabrication, mining, chemical processing, woodworking, pharmaceutical, recycling and agriculture, dust is being produced. In any environment producing dust, there should always be something combat against the accumulation of dust. This process should always be safe and encourage suitable environments for workers to work and reside in. Dust collection systems aide in this cleanup process by eliminating the process altogether. Workers may continue working instead of hazardously cleaning up dust, reassuring them that the atmosphere they breathe is filtered and safe.

How will dust collectors help me?

Dust, smoke, and fumes vary, but are produced in manufacturing industries. Within dust, smoke, and fumes, reside solid particles floating throughout the air. These solid particles can be produced through grinding, crushing, or forcing any type of impact between substances. There is no standard for these particles, because differing processes produce differing particles. Some of these particles will rest on surfaces, while others will remain suspended in the air. These particles produce hazards suspended in the air and, in turn, threaten air quality for workers.

Does OSHA say I need a dust collector?

OSHA does not directly state that dust collection systems are needed in facilities. Rather OSHA promotes that any industry or facility must maintain control of hazards present in the workspace. For more information on OSHA’s standard involving dust removal, read our blog – Engineering Control: OSHA’s Meaning for Why Dust Collection Systems Should be Used.

While working in a manufacturing facility, you may not see the imminent threat of dust, smoke, or fumes, but we do. Understand that any environment producing these types of debris is risking the health of anyone within the manufacturing facility. Combat against this threat by contacting us today to rent or purchase an industrial dust collection system.

PLUGGING ABANDONED OIL & GAS WELLS: THE EFFECT ON THE FRAC TANK CLEANING INDUSTRY

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Industrial Vacuums, Plugging Abandon Wells

New Legislation Brings More Funding

In 2021,  the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law. With this, federal funding for plugging, remediating, and restoring orphan oil and gas sites will hopefully increase. The IIJA was released just before the updated IOGCC report. The IOGCC confirms in the updated report that this legislation does include money to plug orphan wells on federal, state, private, and tribal lands.

What’s in the new IOGCC Report?

The new IOGCC report released in December 2021 provides updated information

based on new survey responses and direction from the IOGCC council. The report reveals the updated number of idle and orphan wells as well as plugging and restoration costs for old wells.

The base of this report is to identify the need to better maintain and plug oil wells that are not in use anymore. Noted in the report there are about 231, 287 idle wells in the US.  Idle or orphaned oil wells can create a dangerous environment and risk to public safety, which is why this report distinguishes the cost to remediate them in the year.

According to the IOGCC, the report seeks to “help states and provinces evaluate their idle- and orphan-well programs and identify useful regulatory tools and strategies from other jurisdictions.”

Read the report summary by Natural Gas Intelligence here

Why does this matter to Frac Tank Cleaning Services?

According to the IOGCC, there will be new federal funding to accomplish their goal of better maintaining idle oil wells. This year Industrial Vacuum has done work to help oil/gas cleanup with our state-of-the-art vacuums. With the increase in funding to this industry, there is a greater need for frac site cleanup and especially efficient cleanup. Industrial Vacuum is equipped to serve this industry as it continues to grow in importance.

Learn more about our Oil/Gas Industry Services or contact us for more information regarding oil cleanup.

DO YOU NEED A 20,000 CFM VERTICAL DUST COLLECTOR?

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Dust Collectors

Ever since OSHA updated its silica dust standard, our focus has been identifying new and efficient ways to protect the health of our client’s workers. Our clients are consistently asking “do I need a dust collector?”, to which we discuss how air control is important in the future and right now. We continually make it our mission to provide the solutions needed for a healthier workplace.

You need a dust collector from Industrial Vacuum Equipment because we build our systems with your industry in mind. Size, power, consistency, and safety are critical to consider when purchasing a dust collector. You need one of our dust collectors to protect your workers from hazardous dust and to ensure your project always has clean air.

Aside from designing dust collectors that perform, we also have considered convenience with every system we have made. We believe that a stationary industrial vacuum should only contribute positively to a work environment, not hinder it. That is why we created the new Filt-Aire 20,000 CFM Vertical Dust Collector.

Do You Need Power While Controlling Your Dust Collector?

Offered in the electric model, the 20,000 CFM Vertical Dust Collector is equipped with a 40HP, 460-volt, 3 phase TEFC motor, that contains all controls in a NEMA 4 enclosure. The electric model’s air volume is a high 20,000 CFM at – 16” W.G, enabling it to control air quality. This air quality spans larger applications like dry-docks, factories, and foundries.

What Size Rugged Built Dust Collector Do You Need?

Our 20,000 CFM Vertical Dust Collector is the solution to the question, “what size dust collector do I need?” Due to the compact size of our vertical dust collector, you are now able to use our dust collectors in more confined spaces. It is configured to operate vertically which compacts the size of the unit, saving space when it poses an issue. Standing at 17 feet 6 inches, this dust collecting system takes up minimal space, while providing features that maximize results.

We understand most of you are working in industries that have harsh and hazardous dust particulates threatening your workers. Your harsh worksites require durable equipment that can fit on your site and be able to transport easily. Our vertical dust collector has a 12-gauge steel construction with strong fork pockets, a heavy-duty steel tube frame, and certified lifting eyes. Every component is built using high-quality material that can withstand even the toughest work environments.

Efficient Filtration Directly Effects Health

To keep up with OSHA’s standards, our filtration technology has become even more advanced. The 20,000 CFM Vertical Dust Collector has 32 cartridge filters, with pulse jet style cleaning systems to make filtering consistently impactful. It is also constructed with a quick release for convenient access to the filters. The air-to-clock ratio is 2.76:1, which equates to 7,232 sq. ft. of filter area.

Do You Need Additional Dust Collector Application Options?

Innovation has led to advancements in the functionality of our dust collectors. Standard equipment, such as a 6” X 12” rectangular tube fork pocket and a four-point heavy-duty lifting cage platform. These two standard pieces of equipment enhance the overall performance of our systems. Depending on your work environment requirements, we have several options that cater directly to your needs. The additional applications offered include:

  • 8″ HDX rotary valve kit
  • Inline backdraft dampers
  • 1-1/2″ or 2-1/2″ water sprinkler system
  • Ladder or platform kit
  • Sound package for ultra-quiet operation
  • NEMA 4 or 4X soft start
  • Electrical panel Camlock connections
  • Explosion-proof options
  • Pneumatic vibrators
  • Multiple Inlet hose connections

Get Started with the 20,000 CFM Vertical Dust Collector

Stop asking yourself  “do I need a dust collector?” and “what size dust collector do I need?”. Whether you are looking for a dust collection system for indoor or outdoor use, the 20,000 CFM will remove the risk of dust-related health problems found at several job sites. Industrial Vacuum’s team of experts is available to help you decide if this system meets your requirements. See additional information about the 20,000 CFM Vertical Dust Collector or request a quote today! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly.

HOW EXPOSURE TO SILICA DUST & THE PEL COMPLIANCE CAN AFFECT YOUR WORKERS

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Dust Collectors, PEL

When it comes to dust exposure, specifically exposure to silica dust, there is an increased risk for specific illnesses. These illnesses will affect each worker differently but have the potential to affect nasal passage, the esophagus, the lungs, aplastic anemia, the kidney, stomach, blood/blood-forming organs, and varying bones.

Each of these organs is at risk depending on what trade you and your workers are in. These trades include, but are not limited to construction, timber, brick masonry, concrete mixing, carpentry, plastering, roofing, electrician, plumber, painter, pipefitter, and steel erector. Due to the type of work involved in these trades, different organs may be affected. Here are the most common:

Construction

  1. The esophagus
  2. The lungs
  3. The stomach
  4. The blood/blood-forming organs

Timber

  1. The esophagus
  2. The lungs
  3. The blood/blood-forming organs

Brick Masonry

  1. The esophagus
  2. The stomach
  3. Varying bones

Concrete Mixing

  1. The kidneys
  2. The stomach
  3. Varying bones

Carpentry

  1. The esophagus
  2. The lungs

Plastering

  1. The esophagus
  2. The lungs
  3. The stomach

Roofing

  1. The esophagus
  2. The lungs
  3. The stomach

Electrician

  1. The lungs
  2. The aplastic anemia

Plumber

  1. The lungs

Painter

  1. The lungs
  2. The nasal cavity

Pipefitter

  1. The lungs

Steel Erector

  1. The lungs

Control the Dust Your Employees are Exposed to

There are three ways OSHA suggests removing silica dust particulates. These will aid with engineering control methods and provide more methods for future silica dust exposure:

  • Wet saws, drills, and other means of breaking material should be used to subdue the hazards.
  • Engineering control means should be used to extract, ventilate, and remove the immanent silica dust near production.
  • There should be enclosures within facilities to isolate the silica dust area and the workers who are not in that area.

OSHA’s whole initiative against crystalline silica dust is to protect the 2.3 million people now exposed to silica at work and to protect those who will be going into an industry that is exposed to silica while on the job. The most common illnesses a person exposed to crystalline silica dust can experience are:

  • Silicosis – a lung disease that results in disability and death.
  • Lung cancer – which shows symptoms, such as chest pain, wheezing, and weight loss. These symptoms only show themselves when the cancer is advanced.
  • Kidney disease – where fluid builds up in your body and, without treatment, your kidneys can fail to result in death.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – begins as flu-like symptoms, but then results in tightness in your chest and needing to catch your breath.

Removing silica from the lungs is not possible, because once crystalline silica dust is airborne and inhaled it has a lethal effect. We urge you to invest in a dust collection system to protect your workers from the imminent threat of dust.

THE HAZARDS OF LASER CUTTING WITHOUT FUME EXTRACTORS

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Fume Extractors, Hazardous Cleanup, Industrial Vacuums

A lasers operation process is achieved by directing the output of a high-powered laser through optics. This laser beam will melt or burn the material in which it is directed at. Lasers have various capabilities when it comes to precision, materials, and type of cut. While lasers remain one of the most beneficial machines for precision and, sometimes, time efficiency, understanding the fumes these machines emit is more beneficial than the machine itself.

The Fumes Produced from Laser Cutting

The beginning of the laser process has evolved overtime. This evolution has resulted in individuals relying on computer-aided assistance, suggesting that the fumes they are exposed to are not a threat – this is a misconception. While workers are told to protect their skin and eyes, the atmosphere around them should be protected as well.

The atmosphere produced is a result of this high-powered laser process. High temperatures in a space result in the expansion of the surrounding air. Upon a laser beam contacting these materials, gas will be formed. Hidden in these gasses lie dangerous particles released with the expansion of gas.

These dangerous particles range depending on the types of materials being lasered. The following are a list of materials and the fume emissions they produce:

  • Kevlar – Respirable dust
  • Polycarbonate – Respirable dust and Cresol
  • Rubber – Respirable dust and 1,3-Butadiene
  • Mild Steel – Iron oxide, NO, NO2, CO
  • Stainless Steel – Nickle, Chromium
  • Nimonics – Cobalt, Chromium, Nickle

How Fume Extractors Combat Hazardous Particles

Fume extraction systems are the perfect resource for combatting against these hazardous particles. Industrial Vacuums fume extraction systems utilize a fan, pulling in fumes and particulates through a filtration system. This filtration system rids the hazardous air of these fumes/particulates and releases filtered air back into your facility. It is important to note that laser cutting is not the only industry that fume extractors reside in. Fume extraction systems can be found in any industrial facility performing welding, sanding, grinding, spraying, powder filling, and various chemical applications.

We, at Industrial Vacuum want you to protect your workers, and workers, we want you to protect yourselves. If any of these fume emission industrial facilities applies to you, or your workers, contact us today to purchase your fume extraction system.