June 2023

WHAT PEL SUBSTANCES ARE IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Hazardous Cleanup, OSHA, PEL

As stated in our last blog, permissible exposure limits (PELs) are toxic substances that can create adverse health effects on anyone exposed to the substance for longer than the suggested permissible exposure limit standard.

OSHA outlines three industries specifically, and the types of PEL hazards are present within those industries. Below, the general industry, shipyard industry, and construction industry PEL hazards are outlined. It is important to know what these hazards can do to your workers, and how to combat against these hazards.

General Industry PEL Hazards

The general industry hazards are air contaminants which consist of those toxic and hazardous substances that remain airborne posing a threat to workers without proper worn equipment, or engineering control methods put in place.

Some of these air contaminants include, but are not limited to, asbestos, vinyl chloride, inorganic arsenic, lead, chromium, cadmium, benzene, and many more found in OSHA’s Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances.

Our Vactagon drum top vacuums are paired with drum liners that collect hazardous substances, such as lead and asbestos, allowing for the bags to be taken away and disposed of by workers effectively. However, to combat against all airborne contaminants, dust collectors are the indirect suggestion by OSHA with their term engineering control.

Shipyard PEL Hazards

The maritime and shipyard industry have several toxic and hazardous substances that are the same as that of the general industry but have substances that are specific to this industry. During marine terminal operations hazardous atmospheres and substances include carbon monoxide, fumigants, pesticides, insecticides and hazardous preservatives, and many more.

Shipyard employment standards for coal tar pitch violate vinyl chloride, inorganic arsenic, and many more hazardous substances. These substances can be flammable or force an oxygen deficient atmosphere, which should always be labeled to ensure worker safety. These types of atmospheres must be monitored frequently, as they are extremely hazardous to breathe in and work in for extended periods of times.

The type of hazardous waste found in the maritime and shipyard industry can be cleaned up using our HEPA filter vacuum, where air output is filtered, returning only clean air. This results in any harmful material to be contained within the vacuum itself.

Construction PEL Hazards

Similarly, the construction industry has toxic and hazardous substances that are the same as that of the general industry. The dust present on construction sites is one of the leading drivers of worker health defects. Addressed in our recent blog, “Does My Construction Project Need an Industrial Dust Collector?”, we talk through the importance of protecting workers from concrete dust and welding dust.

Most of OSHA’s PEL’s for construction are contained within the gas, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists category. Within these categories, there is an extensive list of specific names of these hazards. If you are in the construction industry, and haven’t considered using dust collection systems, consider implementing them to protect your workers from this growing hazardous substance list.

Why don’t I see my industry?

The general industry, shipyard, and construction industries are the only industries OSHA currently has exposure limits for. There are many other substances within industries that OSHA does not deliberately outline the exposure limits.

A lot of the PEL limits are outdated and in need of reassessment. The Z-table contains the most updated list of exposure limits. These exposure limits are put in place to protect workers from acquiring medical side effects due to hazardous substances.

Check out our range of dust collection systems, industrial vacuums, and Vactagon drum top vacuums today to assist you in maintaining control of the PEL within your industry. Afterall, it is all about protecting your workers from the imminent threats they face each day. Contact us today for further assistance.

5 FACTS ON OUR SMALL SHOP CYCLONE DUST COLLECTOR

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Dust Collectors

Before OSHA’s updated silica dust standard, contractors were not forced to comply with specific cleaning requirements and preventative measures that aided in protecting worker health. To meet this standard, dust clean-up has become a key control method to help reduce the build-up of dust on surfaces within the work area and the workers’ breathing zone.

As the standard was put in place, we noticed that many of our clients did not require our larger portable cyclone dust collectors or skid-mounted dust collection systems. In fact, our sales team was flooded with requests for a unit more equipped for their everyday work needs to help them remain compliant under these stricter regulations.

To help put these concerns to rest, we created the Filt-Aire 2,500 CFM Small Shop Cyclone Dust Collector. Constructed with maneuverability in mind, this system is the perfect fit for small job sites and can easily be transported from workplace to workplace.

Having become the perfect choice for small, dust intensive projects, the PDC-2500 stands apart from other vacuum systems in several ways; five of which can be found below:

1: Our PDC-2500 Offers Multiple Power Options

Our newest portable cyclone dust collector is offered in both electric and gas-powered models. Our gas-powered model is ideal for job sites and applications that do not have an electric power source. Both the gas and electric models feature a selector switch allowing the operator to choose between 460 volts or 220 volts of power. All power options include single phase electric motor, 3 phase electric motor, gasoline engine, or hydraulic motor.

2: Numerous Applications that Do not Stand a Chance

From factory production lines to roadside construction, there are very few applications that our Small Shop Cyclone Dust Collector cannot handle. This system is specifically beneficial for ensuring worksites are properly cleaned and ventilated. Other applications include concrete, silica, grinding, sawing, and insulation – making the Filt-Aire 2,500 CFM portable cyclone dust collector an economical solution for a wide range of dust collection issues.

3: Equipment Transportation is a Breeze

With its lightweight nature, the PDC-2500 can be easily lifted in and out of the back of any truck making loading and unloading particularly easy and one-man operation possible. The portable cyclone dust collector unit’s size allows it to roll through doorways without any issues, can be used in tight quarters where most systems cannot reach, and are low maintenance when it comes to being transported.

4: Protecting Employee Health Just Got Easier

Increase employee productivity by keeping your staff safe and healthy. The PDC-2500 is ideal for protecting employee health as well as expensive, capital equipment. The system also works great as a fume collection solution or removing dust from the air or surfaces within the work area.

5: Efficient Filtration for Small and Large Projects

The Filt-Aire 2,500 CFM Small Shop Cyclone Dust Collector is equipped with an efficient three-stage filtration system that includes a washable spark arrestor pre-filter as well as a carbon odor discharge filter. The small shop cyclone dust collector pre-separator has the capability to remove particles as smalls as dust and sand to materials that are large and abrasive, all before filtration. This system also has a self-cleaning feature with a dust debris drop-out drawer for easy maintenance to ensure effective operation every time.

Consider contacting us regarding our portable cyclone dust collector systems. Otherwise, if you need a quote, we offer quotes to each of our potential customers.

PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS (PEL): WHAT IS IT AND HOW YOU COMPLY

Posted on June 19, 2023 - OSHA, PEL

Outlining what permissible exposure limits (PELs) are to OSHA is vastly difficult, as not all of them have fully been identified. New chemicals are integrated in the workplace each and every day. These chemicals pose hazards not identified for days, months, or sometimes years. It is virtually impossible to fully understand all the hazards present within your workplace, but it is important to understand the ones currently threatening you, and how you can comply.

OSHA has permissible exposure limits for about 470 toxic substances that were determined based on the: “severity of the health effect, the number of exposed workers, 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 ensure that significant risks are addressed and that workers will experience substantial benefits in the form of enhanced health and safety” as outlined by OSHA. These toxic substances can create adverse health effects to anyone exposed to the substance for longer than the suggested permissible exposure limit standard.

What is OSHA’s Recommendation?

The real question is, how can your workplace combat against these toxic substances, and how does OSHA recommend combating against these substances? For starters, OSHA always states that there must be engineering control over the substance posing a threat to workers. This term “engineering control” is something we have addressed in our recent blog, “Engineering Control: OSHA’s Meaning for Why Dust Collection Systems Should be Used”. But incase you missed that blog, or want a quick recap, OSHA believes that engineering control is a solution to control the hazard because the hazard cannot be completely removed; ultimately allowing workers to continue to work. However, since most industries cannot completely remove the substance, or hazard threatening their workers, they must find alternative ways of removal.

What Substances Are Threatening Me?

In OSHA’s Z-Table they outline those substances still regulated under the PEL standard. If these substances are found, or can be found in your workplace, initiatives must be put in place to maintain or remove these hazards. We at Industrial Vacuum have systems that can control the substances currently in your workplace, but not remove them altogether, as that is close to impossible.

Understanding the PEL’s that will affect you in your industry are vital to maintaining a safe workspace. However, having the right machinery to combat against the hazard present is just as vital. Browse through Industrial Vacuum’s dust collection systems, industrial vacuums, drum-top vacuums, and more to figure out which of our systems will assist you today.

WHAT TYPE OF DUST IS LINGERING AROUND YOUR WORKPLACE?

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

It is believed that dust is dust, and all dust can be treated the same – this is false. While dust is a universal term used by numerous industries, the types of dust produced within these industries range in particle size, exposure limits, and collection machine suggestion. Understanding the types of dust lingering around your workplace can not only benefit you by choosing the right collection method, but also your workers due to hazardous particles produced resulting in exposure limitations.

Concrete Dust

Concrete dust – the most common form of dust typically resides in the air for a longer period. Being in an airborne state longer makes this dust more susceptible for workers to breathe in. Concrete dust is most commonly known by what it contains; crystalline silica. This is a hazardous particle that upon excessive inhalation, can cause silicosis.  With a wide range of particle sizes, this abrasive dust requires a versatile filtering system.

Wood Dust

Typically found in a wood shop, wood dust has varying particle sizes that most commonly precipitate in the nasal cavity. Wood dust is linked back to an increased risk of cancer in the upper respiratory tract. Not only is this type of dust dangerous to workers medically, but it is both combustible and potentially explosive when in certain environments. Wood dust in large concentrations creates fire and safety hazards.

Metal Dust

Being highly abrasive, this type of dust can create long-term health problems upon inhaling. Repeated exposure can harm workers lungs, nervous system, and other organs including the liver and kidneys. Many industries produce metal dust, so understanding your industrial dust production to combat against metallic dust – a heterogeneous substance affecting the lungs resulting in a respiratory disease – will impact workers health.

Rubber

Car tires are the most common use of rubber products, while most products do in fact use rubber. Rubber manufacturing one of the most susceptible environments due to rubber itself being statically chargeable. Fully charged, rubber through electrostatic precipitators can be self-igniting. Workers are not safe when working in rubber manufacturing because it’s health effects include, but are not limited to, leukemia, lymphoma, and various cancers.

Leather

Classified as a carcinogen, leather is linked to potentially causing cancer in sinus areas and nasal cavities. Like rubber, leather is extremely combustible and explosive in certain environments requiring safety precautions to take place.

Carbon Fibers

Being as strong as steel, but incredibly lightweight, this polymer material typically makes up bicycles, aircrafts, cars, boat propellers, and much more. With a medium flow velocity, this dust does not linger in the air for too long. However, upon breathing in carbon fibers, workers are risked with carbon nanotubes linked to cancers that are similarly found in asbestos particles.

Fiberglass

Breathing in excessive amounts of fiberglass dust initially can result in bronchitis and soreness of the nose and throat. Long-term fiberglass dust can cause asthma and decrease lung function. Fiberglass is known for its abrasive nature clinging onto skin and when inhaled, clinging internally.

Found when making boat hulls, electronics, insulation, and many more, fiberglass is a reinforced material made from glass fibers with resin as an adhesive.

Plastic

Plastic, one of the most wildly used materials in the world can come in a variety of forms. If working with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) be aware that this is the most toxic plastic for health purposes. It releases toxic chemicals including dioxins, phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene, dichloride, lead, cadmium, and other chemicals not listed.

Brick

Brick manufacturing is related to concrete when it comes to the construction process. Even when in the final construction phase, brick dust is still present, and workers are still susceptible. Brick dust is hazardous to workers health, and when exposed to copious amounts, workers are at risk of crystalline silica dust, resulting in silicosis.

Welding Fumes

Beyond the imminent need to wear a welding mask in hopes of protecting vision, welders also risk welding fumes. Welders are exposed to free-flowing fumes and fine dust that has the potential to harm those around the welding area holistically. Long term exposure to these welding fumes can result in cancer of the lungs, larynx, and urinary tract.

What can help me combat against this lingering dust?

That’s a great question! Here at Industrial Vacuum we have a range of dust collection systems for your industry to combat against even the toughest of lingering dust. While you may not see excessive amounts of dust within your workplace currently, it is there. Dust is constantly threatening your workers, so make the conscious decision to help them today. Contact us with any inquiries on what dust collection system is right for you to rent or purchase.

THE BENEFITS OF PORTABLE DUST CONTROL SYSTEMS

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

The importance of air quality at any job site should never be underestimated. While providing a trade service might be your company’s main priority, the health of your employees can stand in the way of your success. OSHA continues to modify and update its regulations to make sure industrial and construction workers alike are protected. Fortunately, taking the proper actions to ensure environments are safe for workers has become easier.

Industry-leading equipment has been designed specifically to improve safety standards through controlling air quality. A more popular item, portable dust control systems pose a few great benefits that eliminate the health risks. Below we elaborate more on the benefits of portable dust control systems.

Portable Dust Control Systems are portable.

Transporting a dust collector designed to be portable is more convenient when it’s low maintenance. But what about making adjustments at the job site? As progress develops, work environments change. Being able to easily move a dust collector system to adapt to those changes makes controlling air quality flexible. Additionally, they can be moved in order to perform in enclosed areas or near machinery that produce dangerous dust particles.

Portable Dust Control Systems take up less floor space.

For a variety of job sites, space is often limited. Depending on the application, larger multifunctional dust collectors cannot be accommodated. Portable dust control models can vary by size in order to meet the space requirements. They can also be positioned in a corner or tightly up against a wall to perform while staying clear of job duties.

Portable Dust Control Systems are intricately versatile.

Air quality on construction sites or industrial settings like factories can easily be compromised. While portable dust collectors are a fantastic option for removing dangerous dust, they also can clear the area of toxic fumes. This means that no matter the danger in the air, your employees won’t have to risk their health in order to perform their jobs. There are many benefits alone just having a safe work environment.

Investing in the right portable dust control system takes workplace safety to the next step and complies with OSHA’s regulations. While there are many benefits to a portable dust collector, the most beneficial of them all is eliminating direct risks to workers.

Industrial Vacuum has a variety of portable dust controlling systems ranging from 2,500 to 45,000 CFM. Recently added to our lineup, the PDC-2500 Portable Cyclone boasts multiple power options, battles a variety of applications, and can tackle both big and small projects. For additional information about our dust collectors, check out our portable dust collectors or contact us directly today.

BENEFITS OF INDUSTRIAL DUST COLLECTORS

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

Industries must be conscientious of what is lurking in the air workers are breathing. Therefore, industrial dust collection systems are used in most industries to filter out unwanted dust, dirt, gas, debris, and other hazardous substances. Benefits of collectors include increasing manufacturing efficiencies, providing clean and safe environments for workers, handling challenging particulate and fitting them in small places, and changing filters is quicker than ever. Let’s dive into these a bit and show you what we mean.

Increases Manufacturing Efficiencies

Dust and debris can aggregate on vital parts of machinery leading to slowed or halted factory floors when the inevitable happens. Dust collectors minimize this risk as debris can be siphoned from the air before it has a chance to settle, saving you the repair costs while keeping operations running. This is an often-overlooked benefit that truly makes a difference in both time and savings. Once you experience life with a dust collector, you’ll never go back.

Combats Substances Hazardous to Workers

Workplace safety is important because workers health and wellbeing is the number one concern. While in environments such as factory floors, workshops, warehouses, and foundries, workers are exposed to the immediate threat of crystalline silica dust, beryllium dust, and other fine hazardous inhalants. Silica dust builds up over time causing “dust blankets” to form throughout the working environment. Similarly, airborne silica dust is a direct result of agitation to workers in the workplace.

Workers must be protected from crystalline silica dust due to the immediate threat of silicosis. There is no immediate cure to silicosis, making some of the effects disabling and fatal; considering it is a carcinogen to the human lungs.

Complying to Regulations

Any industry in need of an industrial dust collection system understands the laws and regulations in place to ensure workplace and worker safety. Unwanted inhalants put workers at risk and can come with costly fines. Industrial dust collection systems remove the fear of fines, and worker safety, by handling high airflow, high grain loading, and challenging particulate. Thus, making the building, and everyone inside safe.

For instance, OSHA standard 1926.1153 – Respirable Crystalline Silica applies to all occupational exposures to crystalline silica in construction work, except for employee exposure below 25 micrograms. This is one regulation in place to ensure worker safety and OSHA suggests the use of industrial dust collectors for safety purposes.

Versatile in a Plethora of Industries

Dust collectors ranging from producing airborne dust due to grinders, transfer belts, or other dust emitting machines, to collectors on roads and bridges where concrete is being demolished are a few industries that benefit from dust collection systems. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses from silica dust control on construction sites to collecting sand and debris on fracking operations. For a full list of industries we specialize in here at Industrial Vacuum, check out our Industries page. Point is, if you have airborne dust, a dust collector cleans and filters your air, removing the problem.

Filter Change Out is Quicker and Easier

The disposal process for workers is vitally important. When handling hazardous and challenging substances, efficient and effective disposal is always necessary for both safety and time management. Our filter change-out is quicker than the traditional bag filters by providing workers with both cartridge and baghouse style disposal options.

What Industrial Dust Collection System is Right for You?

Now that you understand industrial dust collection benefits, Industrial Vacuum has just what you’re looking for. Industrial dust collection systems are important for hazardous substance control and workplace cleanup but are more important for worker safety. Protect your workers and bottom line today by purchasing one of our industrial dust collection systems. Only need a dust collector for a couple days? We rent these systems as well.

If you have any questions regarding what industrial dust collection system is right for you, contact us today!

WHY CHOOSE INDUSTRIAL VACUUM OVER OUR COMPETITORS

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Industrial Vacuums

Our Hurricane™ line of Industrial Vacuum is offered in a variety of styles, including trailer mounted and skid mounted vacuums. We are committed to providing quality, high-production vacuums through our process of manufacturing, designing, building, and testing each vacuum to exceed standards set. While we only outline 20 reasons to choose our line of industrial vacuums over our competitors below, we believe there is an infinite amount of factors that set our equipment apart from competitors. Read through our 20 reasons why our industrial vacuums:

If you have any questions, our team can help. Contact one of our experts today.

SILICA DUST PREVENTION: CONSTRUCTION DUST CONTROL METHODS FOR MASONS

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Industrial Vacuums

There are numerous job tasks and functions throughout the construction industry that are notorious for producing massive amounts of dust. Typically these jobs involve grinding, sawing, drilling, and chiseling. For masons, the danger comes from operating on stone and concrete materials such as brick, asphalt, and mortar that contain concentrated amounts of crystalline silica. When these materials are operated on, silica-containing dust is emitted and enters the workers’ breathing zone.

The amount of dust that is produced or that accumulates varies depending on the task being performed and the material that the task is being performed on. Notably, concrete cutting and grinding, jackhammering, and tuck-pointing are all construction tasks that are completed by masons during demolition, refurbishment, or foundational construction. This article takes a deeper look at each function and explains how dust is formed as well as how airborne dust can be eliminated to prevent masons from developing serious, life-threatening lung illnesses.

Concrete Cutting & Grinding

Concrete grinding and cutting are frequently used techniques in the construction industry. Masons use specialized equipment to cut concrete, asphalt, brick, and tile for industrial projects such as building construction or entryway creation. Concrete grinding often occurs when sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and highways have been overused and are in need of repair. This method of construction offers instant enhancement to the overall smoothness and safety of the concrete. When concrete is cut or ground, silica dust is released and without the proper control methods, this dust can pose serious health issues to masons.

Controls – Operate grinding and cutting tools that are equipped with an integrated water delivery system to help eliminate silica dust production. These systems continuously supply water to the concrete surface which cuts off dust production at the source. For proper implementation, employers are required to ensure the following:

  • A sufficient amount of water is applied to the surface for dust suppression;
  • Spray nozzles are not congested or defective and are applying water at the point of dust conception;
  • All hoses and connections from the water source are intact

For masons who are grinding specifically, a grinder with a shroud and commercial dust collection system should be provided to minimize the secretions of dust. Dust collection systems should be used for both indoor and outdoor grinding operations. For concrete grinder dust collectors, employers must guarantee that:

  • Shroud and dust collection systems are installed according to the instructions of the manufacturer;
  • Hoses connecting the vacuum system to the grinding tool are intact and without any knots or bows;
  • All dust collection bags and filters are emptied, cleaned, and changed regularly to avoid becoming clogged and overfilling

Jackhammering

Jackhammering is common for masons who need to break large, thick slabs of concrete or stone for demolition projects. These tools can also be used when laying a new foundation to cut out old, deteriorated concrete so that it can be replaced. Due to how destructive the process is, jackhammering is another construction job function that produces excessive amounts of silica-containing dust.

Controls – Similar to concrete grinding and cutting, jackhammering is safest when concrete is destroyed in a wet state. However, this type of work produces significant amounts of dust, and water spraying techniques should almost always be paired with an industrial shroud and dust collection system. Vacuum systems such as these will enhance wet-cutting methods by collecting any remaining dust that can be created. By law, employers are required to ensure that:

  • Shroud and vacuum systems have been appropriately installed and employees have been trained on how to operate and clean equipment;
  • Vacuum hoses are free of clogs and kinks, and filters are cleaned and replaced on a regular basis;
  • An adequate amount of water and pressure is applied to the point of dust formation to enhance overall dust suppression

Tuck Pointing

The process of removing timeworn, deteriorated mortar is more commonly known as tuckpointing. Mortar is used to hold bricks and stonework together and seal any gaps to eliminate the potential of water seeping in and damaging the architectural structure. To replace old mortar, masons must rake and scrape it out with a handheld grinding blade. This method inevitably produces a cloud of dust containing respirable crystalline silica.

Controls – Control and prevention methods that help to eliminate silica dust production when tuck pointing include using a grinder that is fashioned to a commercial shroud and dust collection system. Tuck-pointing dust collection systems should have a filter that collects dust at an efficiency of 99 percent or greater. Systems with filter-cleaning instruments prevent debris and dust from building up on the filter and greatly improve the suction of the dust collection system. It is vital that employers confirm:

  • Shroud and dust collection systems are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and efficiently enclose the grinding blade;
  • Vacuum filters are cleaned regularly and hoses connecting the tool to the vacuum are intact and without kinks;
  • Whenever possible, the tool is operated in a direction that goes against the blade rotation;
  • Employees have been properly trained and working and cleaning methods

If you’d like more information on industrial vacuums or dust collectors to protect your masons and crew, feel free to send us a message or give us a call.

CONTROLLING CONCRETE DUST WITH INDUSTRIAL VACUUM SYSTEMS

Posted on June 19, 2023 - Dust Collectors

Concrete grinding, drilling, sawing, and demolition projects regularly produce unhealthy and dangerous amounts of construction dust. These functions are often used on materials including concrete, brick, mortar, and stone, all of which contain concentrated amounts of crystalline silica. In concentrated form crystalline silica poses little to no risk to worker health, however, once ground or cut it forms a dust that can be released into the worker’s breathing zone. This silica-containing dust becomes particularly detrimental once it is airborne.

Last September, OSHA enacted its recently updated Silica Dust Standard, requiring the entire construction industry to comply with its new regulations. Under the new standard, a workers’ permissible exposure limit (PEL) has been reduced to 50 micrograms of respirable silica dust per cubic meter of air (μg/m3) averaged over an 8-hour workday.

Employers were also required to create and implement an exposure control plan that clearly defined effective methods for reducing their employees’ exposure to silica dust. This included requirements for measuring the amount of silica dust that each individual worker is exposed to, permitting employee access to zones where silica exposures are above the PEL, and providing routine medical examinations to employees who are exposed to respirable silica dust on a day-to-day basis. In conjunction with the exposure control plan, training must also be provided to educate employees on the hazard that is silica dust, as well as how to properly operate and clean control equipment to help limit exposures.

A number of control methods can be applied to help prevent or reduce silica dust exposure. Water-spraying stone and concrete prior to cutting or grinding is a prevention method that helps to eliminate silica dust at the source. Water spraying is not a perfect control method and becomes more effective when paired with an industrial vacuum system. Vacuum systems provide an extra defense against dust production and can be used as an attachment to grinding equipment, or during worksite clean-up.

Concrete Dust Extractor – Eliminating Silica Dust with Industrial Vacuums

Vacuum systems, specifically with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, are useful tools for efficiently minimizing exposure to airborne silica dust on dusty job sites. These systems are the number one choice for concrete dust removal as they possess the ability to collect and retain dust as it forms without dispersing it back into the work environment.

Collecting silica dust that is fine in composition requires a graduated, multi-stage filtration system. Dust is first captured by coarser filters and as it moves through the system, the filters progressively become smaller, and dust is finally retained by fine, HEPA filters. At the bare minimum, HEPA filters should retain 99.97% of dust particles. It is essential that they be the last stage of the filtration system to prevent small dust particles from passing back through the vacuum.

A large benefit of HEPA vacuum cleaners is how universal they are. In addition to job site cleaning that removes dust accumulations, they can be used in various other ways to minimize silica exposure limits in construction workers.

  • Vacuum Attachments for Power Tools – During grinding, drilling, and cutting, tools that are integrated with a HEPA-filtrated industrial vacuum hose can quickly and simultaneously suck up the dust that is produced. Concrete grinders with vacuum attachments are particularly advantageous because they eliminate silica dust at the source.
  • Difficult To Reach Areas – Spaces such as overhead pipes and beams may be difficult to clean due to the fact that they are harder to reach. Since dust accumulation in these areas can contribute to both health and fire hazards, ensuring they have been properly cleaned is just as important. Using the correct vacuum hose and accessories, cleaning these spaces can be easily accomplished.
  • Decontaminating Employee Attire – Prior to completing work and before entering other locations such as facility break rooms or their home, employees are required to properly clean their clothing and remove dust residue. HEPA-filtrated industrial vacuum systems are efficient for removing silica dust that has built up on the employees’ uniforms. Systems should be placed at all exit locations of the job site to ensure each employee has the opportunity to clean their clothing.

All industrial vacuum systems are created to serve specific purposes and are built to meet the needs and requirements of certain facilities and industries. The different models range from stationary to portable, electric to pneumatic, or diesel.

Have any Questions? Need to Buy or Rent?

Looking for an industrial vacuum system for your next concrete assignment? At Industrial Vacuum our experienced sales staff has the expertise to assist you in selecting a vacuum system that would be most suitable for your project. Our HEPA Industrial Vacuum Systems include our Vactagon Drum Top Vac and our Hurricane line of trailer and skid-mounted vacuums, both of which are ideal for cement dust clean-up and are built to withstand wet and dry substances. For shorter, small projects we also offer vacuum rental services consisting of our Hurricane 300, 500, and 755 models. To learn more about our systems and services, please contact our sales department or request a quote today.