Masonry Magazine January 2017 Page. 39
Workplace Dust extraction from Pullman-Ermator Health & Safety: improves health, saves time & labor
All contractors have to be aware of the increased importance of dust suppression in the work place. Stricter safety regulations about dust containment in the construction industry may have initiated the discussion, but it also has benefits that go beyond health and safety. In recent years, the concrete industry has seen an increased emphasis on concrete dust suppression and containment, both for worker safety and job-site cleanIi ness.
It has become essential for the contractor to outfit tools and equipment with dust containment devises Iike shrouds and vacuums. The advantages are multiple; not on ly to control air borne dust for worker safety because it is harmful to breathe, but also to reduce the labor involved in cleaning up dust from floors, shelves, racks, counters etc. The very fine particles created in grinding and polishing operations find their way and settle far beyond the work area, especially in job sites located in open areas. Collecting dust at the source by connecting vacuums to equipment when working is key!
It is important to consider the vacuum's airflow (CFM) and water lift (suction), but the type of filter is also crucial to collecting the smallest, most harmful particles from the air. All vacuums should be outfitted with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters rated at 99.99% at .3 microns, that are certified and individually tested. Collecting the airborne dust with air scrubbers and vacuuming up the remaining dust and d~bris off the floor instead of sweeping riot only controls air quality, but also saves the contractor time and labor, which saves money.
�
Tuck pointing creates alot ofdust but high CFM & water lift vacuums can control it. �
Because of the new OSHA regulations, contractors need to look for these features:
�
High quality, tested and certified HEPA filters at 99.99%@0.3 microns.
�
Multiple levels of filtration, that includes pre-filters and pre-separators.
�
Contained filter cleaning with Jet Pulse that doesn't allow dust to escape when cleaning.
�
Control of dust when changing bags with drop down Longopac system.
�
Cubic FeeUMinute (CFM) and water lift that are appropriate for the tool the vacuum will be attached to.
�
Accessories that can be installed on the tool for collection at the source, and floor tools for clean up.
�
Automatic tool trigger features so that dust control is activated as soon as the tool starts.
�
Wet and/or dry vacuum capabilities, depending on job site conditions.
�
Manometers, locking wheels, easy transport handles and hour meters that make Ermator the only choice.
These features result in a safe, productive dust extraction system.
Concrete grinding, jack hammering, drilling, coring, concrete mixing, brick and concrete block cutting, sawing, and tuck pointing are all well-known contributors to hazardous air quality, but other construction activities also create hazards. For example, wood construction creates a considerable amount of saw dust. When saw dust is cleaned up by conventional shop vacuums without HEPA filtration, it is pulverized and blown back into the air with an even smaller, more harmfu I particle size.
"lime is Money". Long-term savings and advantages far exceed the upfront cost of proper equipment. Typical shop vacuums are not equipped to handle a variety of media, and do not prevent the dust from escaping back into the air. With the right vacuum on site, fast and easy cleanup of the job site reduces labor costs. The old method of
'
"shoving a broom around" is disappearing as contractors see the speed and efficiency in clean up, not to mention the health benefits to their own employees and other workers in the area. Quality products are out there with proper multi stage filtration and approved HEPA filters. Pre-filters and synthetic high filtration bags not only collect debris, but also protect vacuum motors and extend their life. Spending a little money up front saves in the long run.
Pu//11,an
Er11,ator
www.ermatorusa.com Toll Free: 855. 736.2869
Written by: Lyndon Kelsey North American Sales Manager