June 2024

OUR TRAILER MOUNTED VACUUMS EXPLAINED: A DEEP DIVE

Posted on June 26, 2024 - Industrial Vacuums

In the bustling world of industrial operations, cleanliness isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. From construction sites to manufacturing facilities, maintaining a clean environment isn’t always easy. That’s where industrial cleaning equipment, like trailer-mounted vacuums, comes into play. These powerful machines solve the toughest cleaning challenges, providing mobility, efficiency, and versatility.

What are Trailer Mounted Vacuums?

Trailer-mounted vacuums, also known as tow-behind vacuums, are powerful cleaning machines mounted on trailers for mobility and convenience. They have robust suction capabilities and large storage tanks for collecting debris and waste.

 

Why Choose a Trailer-Mounted Vacuum?

  1. Mobility and Versatility– When it comes to trailer-mounted industrial vacuums, versatility is the best way to describe the Hurricane™. What makes the Hurricane™ trailer-mounted vacuum so versatile? Its ability to automatically or manually discharge material into any dump truck, dumpster, container, or bag up to 9 feet high.
  2. High Capacity and Performance –  Increased power and output of more than 35% bridge the gap between truck and trailer-mounted vacuum loaders without sacrificing the compact design, maneuverability, and lower costs unique to trailer-mounted units. The Hurricane™ models range from 25 hp to 500 hp and from 500 CFM to 5660 CFM and are listed in order to help with your selection.

 

Applications in Various Industries

  1. Painting & Sandblasting
  2. Industrial Cleaning
  3. Oil & Gas
  4. Hazardous Waste Removal
  5. Mining Dust Control
  6. Carbon Removal
  7. Foundry
  8. Rail Car Cleaning
  9. Micro-Trenching

 

Our Hurricane 500 Trailer-Mounted Vacuum

The Hurricane 500 is a leading model of trailer-mounted vacuum known for its exceptional suction power and performance. It is widely used in various industries for its reliability and efficiency in heavy-duty cleaning tasks.

The Hurricane 500 is equipped with a powerful vacuum system capable of generating high levels of suction to remove debris, waste, and other contaminants from industrial environments. Its performance is unmatched, making it the go-to choice for demanding cleaning tasks.

 

Hurricane 500 Vacuum Standard Equipment:

  • Paint – one color (custom lettering available)
  • Wet or dry operation
  • Toolbox
  • Automatic cone vibrator
  • 100-gallon fuel tank
  • Adjustable pintle hook
  • Emergency stop button
  • 10″ inspection door (hopper)
  • Hydraulic lift leg to level trailer
  • Spare tire & carrier
  • Tool-less flip-top lid on baghouse

 

Renting vs. Purchasing Options

  1. Considerations for Renting – For businesses and organizations with occasional cleaning needs or budget constraints, renting a trailer-mounted vacuum may be a cost-effective option. Renting allows for flexibility and access to equipment without the upfront investment costs of purchasing.
  2. Benefits of Ownership – For businesses and organizations with frequent or ongoing cleaning needs, purchasing a trailer-mounted vacuum offers long-term benefits and cost savings. Ownership provides access to equipment whenever needed and allows for customization and maintenance options to suit specific requirements.

 

How We Can Help

We are committed to providing quality, high-production vacuums through our process of manufacturing, designing, building, and testing each vacuum to exceed the standards set. Contact us to learn more or request a quote for a trailer-mounted vacuum.

INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF SILICA DUST REMOVAL

Posted on June 19, 2024 - Dust Collectors

OSHA’s updated clean air standard has foundries scrambling to meet compliance regulations before their impending compliance date of June 2018. The new standard protects foundry employees by reducing the amount of crystalline silica dust they are exposed to in a given workday. The standard not only changes the amount of silica dust that can be found in the air or on a job site, but stresses the need for new and improved silica dust clean-up techniques. This means that sweeping and shoveling cleaning methods will be tossed by the wayside and are to be replaced by industrial vacuum systems that are equipped with HEPA filtration.

Important Questions to Ask

The easiest and most effective way to control silica dust is to collect it at the source. Since this is not always perfect as dust often tends to escape, a large dust collection machine is the ideal type of equipment to have at your foundry for dust clean-up.

But, is a large dust collection machine always necessary? And if so, how many do you need…and where should they be located?

What about employees who must frequently clean their work clothes so as not to transfer dust to sanitary areas of the foundry? A small, portable HEPA shop vacuum may be a better choice in this circumstance. Depending on your foundry’s work environment you may find that a combination of dust collection systems is ideal for collecting dust that has found its way into the air stream, or that has settled and collected on surfaces around the job site.

With only months left to meet compliance standards, it can be a daunting task trying to find the right vacuum or dust collection systems that meet the needs of your foundry’s work processes. That is why Industrial Vacuum is here to help! Below we provide a brief overview covering the different forms of silica dust and which of our systems would best suit clean-up for each type.

Categories & Forms of Silica Dust

Silica dust can be found in several forms such as new dust, dust build-up, and airborne dust. New dust occurs at the time of cutting, grinding, crushing, or drilling. Dust buildup happens over time as new dust accumulates in the work area until there is a significant collection that has developed. Airborne dust typically comes from uncollected dust buildup that has been agitated and is now suspended in the air. For each type of respirable crystalline silica dust, Industrial Vacuum provides a system that is compliant with OSHA’s new clean air standards and helps to keep silica dust from building up at your foundry.

Vactagon HEPA Shop Vacuums

Our Vactagon Industrial High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners do what most conventional vacuums cannot by trapping airborne particles that are as small as .3 microns within their filter. These vacuums are equipped with a dust collection attachment for power tools that aims to collect silica dust right as it forms, also known as new dust. Commercial HEPA vacuums are built to withstand any wet, dry, or hazardous substance and work extremely well for employee clothing decontamination due to their compact size and portability.

Trailer-Mounted and Skid-Mounted Industrial Vacuums

For larger projects and more intense clean-up needs, we provide trailer and skid-mounted industrial vacuums. Trailer-mounted industrial vacuums are extremely beneficial for larger facilities that have multiple locations that need vacuuming. The versatility of our trailer-mounted Hurricane™ Vacuums allows you to load bags dust-free while other competitive models load into hoppers that create a dust cloud when dumped. The Hurricane™ vacuums also have the ability to raise dust up to 9 feet to dump into dumpsters. With our dust sleeves option, you can also load dumpsters without the hazardous dust cloud. If a portable industrial vacuum isn’t what you need, we also offer powerful, yet compact skid-mounted electric Hurricane™ models. Both types are perfect for cleaning dust build-up after a long day of sand or metal casting.

Stationary and Portable Silica Dust Collection Systems

In the circumstance of airborne silica dust, dust collection or mechanical ventilation systems should be provided to eliminate impurities from the workers’ breathing zone. While Industrial Vacuum offers both portable and stationary dust collection systems, foundries are ideally in need of a stationary system that can be located in the cleaning room. All of our dust collection models are made up of heavy-duty steel and include self-cleaning cartridge filters that are easy to access.

At Industrial Vacuum we supply vacuums and dust collection systems to meet and exceed the silica dust clean-up needs in foundries as well as several other industries. We offer brand-new and pre-owned systems and provide industrial vacuum rental or dust collection system rentals for small or one-time projects. Contact us today and we will assist you in finding the best system for your foundry so that you can meet compliance by this upcoming June!

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

Posted on June 19, 2024 - 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, 2024 - 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, 2024 - 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, 2024 - 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!