Industrial Vacuum Blog

Be EPA Compliant with the New Lead RRP by April 2010

NilfiskCFM — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:26:25 +0000

On April 22nd, the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule will go into effect. The new rule requires contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Among these work practices are the use of a HEPA-filtered industrial vacuum cleaner to minimize dust and thoroughly clean the work area. Because dust is the most common way lead enters the body, a quality HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, like Nilfisk’s GD 930 will guarantee that harmful lead dust is quickly captured and safely contained.

The Nilfisk GD 930 is a durable steel-canister industrial vacuum built for solid performance in abusive environments. Key components for lead dust collection include:

Multi-stage filtration system
Paper bag, foam filter, and upstream HEPA filter ensure that 99.97% of particles, down to and including 0.3 microns are captured and NOT released back into the environment.
Designed with large wheels and a carrying handle, the GD 930 is extremely portable.
Optional electric power nozzle to insure that embedded paint chips and fine dust are completely removed from the work area.

For more information and the Lead RRP, visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm. For more information about HEPA-filtered industrial vacuums visit www.nilfiskcfm.com.

It just got a bit easier to purchase our industrial vacuums!

Rachel — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:49:33 +0000

Nilfisk CFM has entered into a supplier agreement with Grainger, a national distributor of facility maintenance products. More than a dozen Nilfisk and Nilfisk CFM vacuum models, including accessories and filters, will be available through Grainger’s catalog, Web site and national branch network.

“Nilfisk CFM is thrilled about the opportunity to work with Grainger as a supplier of industrial vacuums,” said Paul Miller, Vice President and General Manager of Nilfisk CFM North America. “As a company that strives to provide excellent products and support to all our customers, we are committed to fostering this new relationship with Grainger, a company with similar goals.”

Nilfisk products are now available on www.grainger.com and will also be included in the company’s 2010 catalog.

“Now more than ever, businesses and institutions of all sizes are counting on Grainger for quick, easy access to all of their facilities maintenance supplies,” said Fred Costello, Vice President, Product Management, Grainger. “We’re pleased to provide our customers high-performance Nilfisk vacuum cleaners to meet their cleaning challenges.”

For more information, visit www.nilfiskcfm.com or www.grainger.com.

Up In Smoke

Rachel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:37:01 +0000

By now, most manufacturers are familiar with the story of combustible dust. They’ve read about it in the newspaper, “Googled” it online, watched it on CBS’s “60 Minutes” special¹, or received a letter from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration informing them their facility is considered high risk for a combustible dust explosion. They have a solid picture in their minds of what an industrial explosion scene looks like: the remnants of a facility, a gaping hole, a collapsed roof, workers covered in soot and blood. It’s like a well-craft ed movie scene, except it’s real.

http://ohsonline.com/articles/2009/12/01/combustible-dust-raises-explosive-issues.aspx?sc_lang=en

Xtreme Clean Self Cleaning Filter

Jessica — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:28:34 +0000

Nilfisk Explosion Proof Vacuums a Guest Speaker at IFSS–Thanks John Astad!

Jessica — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:20:43 +0000

Reposted from John Astad’s blog, Combustible Dust Policy Institute, www.dustexplosions.blogspot.com

The 5th Annual Industrial Fire, Safety, and Security Conference (IFSS) in Houston, Texas will be hosting a Full-Day Combustible Dust Workshop on February 2, 2010, which will provide information assisting stakeholders in addressing potential combustible dust ignition sources. During one segment of the workshop, guest speaker Robert Zuiderveld, General Manager of Business Development Americas from Pyroban Corp. will share with attendees specific information on the operation of powered industrial trucks in combustible dust. work environments. Information throughout the full day workshop will assist stakeholders in operating and maintaining a safe workplace in addition to achieving OSHA regulatory compliance.

Good housekeeping is a major issue at facilities with the generation of combustible dust from combustible particulate solids. Many facility managers and owners are not aware of the proper methods in cleaning up the dust. You just can’t take a compressed air hose and start blowing down the area nor sweeping while unaware of the dust clouds that can be generated, which provide an explosive atmosphere similar to a flammable vapor cloud. Potential ignition sources in the process are inherent at many facilities. The safe and approved alternative is the use of an explosive-proof rated vacuum cleaner.

Guest speaker Bruce Gordon, Senior District Manager, from Nilfisk CFM will speak in the afternoon at the Combustible Dust workshop on “Proper Housekeeping and Explosion-Proof Vacuums Hazardous Locations” concerning good housekeeping that will minimize the likelihood of a combustible dust related fire or explosion in addition to achieving regulatory compliance. OSHA combustible dust citations are costly yet a catastrophic secondary dust explosion leveling the facility can be even more of problem. Do you know about the combustible dust hazards at your facility? www.explosionproof-vacuum.com

Nilfisk will Display Pharmaceutical Vacuums at Interphex 2010

Jessica — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:35:46 +0000

Nilfisk CFM will showcase our pharmaceutical vacuums at Interphex 2010, booth #1565. The booth will feature several machines, including the Nilfisk CFM 3306 from the company’s white line of pharmaceutical vacuums.

The continuous-duty Nilfisk CFM 3306 pharmaceutical vacuum is designed for fixed installations with drug-processing equipment including milling, filling, dedusting, polishing, and packaging machines. It collects ultra-fine powders and debris straight from the source, virtually eliminating the risk of contamination. The small footprint requires minimal space and provides maneuverability in tight areas.

Also available in stainless steel, the 3306 is ideal for cleanrooms down to Class 100 due to its multi-stage filtration system that traps particles using a series of increasingly smaller filters, while an oversized main filter prevents premature clogging and helps maintain suction power. An optional HEPA upstream (after the motor) filter decontaminates the exhaust stream for assured environmental and product purity.

The Nilfisk CFM 3306 is also available with Nilfisk’s Safe-Pak™ system, a HEPA-filtered collection container for safe collection and disposal of potent compounds.

For more information, visit www.pharmaceuticalvacuum.com.

NILFISK CFM 125 IVAC Built Tough for Concrete Industry

Jessica — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:31:56 +0000

In the concrete industry, both the equipment and workers take a beating. Extreme temperatures, heavy machines, and potentially hazardous abrasive dust particles are just a few of the challenges the industry has to face. This is why Nilfisk CFM developed the Nilfisk CFM 125, a durable, lightweight, polypropylene (plastic) industrial vacuum that can stand up to the challenges of the concrete industry, on display at World of Concrete, Booth # S21605.

The Nilfisk CFM 125 will help industry professionals maintain a dust-free environment while protecting the quality of their work. Powered by two, 800-watt motors, the plastic constructed vacuum is ideal for use with surface preparation tools and equipment. Other features and benefits include:

Oversized main filter ensures minimal maintenance, reducing down time.
External filter shaker maintains the vacuum’s maximum suction power and filtration performance.
Equipped with a paper bag filter for fine dust collection.
Optional upstream HEPA filter for safe containment of collected debris. HEPA filter exceeds standards of 99.97% efficiency, down to and including 0.3 microns.
Ergonomic container release for easy emptying
Large fixed rear wheels and locking swivel casters for improved maneuverability

The Nilfisk CFM 125 is compatible with Nilfisk CFM’s comprehensive line of accessories, including those for overheard cleaning, allowing the user to find the perfect solution for their dust and debris application.

For more information, visit www.nilfiskcfm.com.

NILFISK CFM will Display Food Processing Vacuums at NWFPA

Jessica — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:28:17 +0000

With the increasing amount of food recalls and allergic reactions due to harmful bacteria and cross-contamination in food processing plants across the country, plant managers are under a great amount of pressure to keep their plants clean; above and beyond government standards.

To meet their maintenance needs, NWFPA attendees will want to stop by booth # 320 where Nilfisk CFM will display several of their food processing vacuums, proven to be successful in a variety of food industry cleaning applications.

The Nilfisk GWD 220, is a double-motor wet/dry vac with a 20-gallon stainless steel collection container. It can be fitted with an upstream HEPA filter and requires no filter change between liquid and dry collection.
The Nilfisk CFM 137 is a compact, full-feature vacuum useful for general plant maintenance, overhead cleaning, and the collection of fine powders and debris. The vacuum offers high filtration performance, noise control, quality construction and user-friendly controls.
The Nilfisk CFM 118EXP is an explosion-proof vacuum suitable for collecting hazardous materials, thus decreasing the risk of a combustible dust accident. Composed of 304 stainless steel, the 118EXP is CSA certified for use in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F, and G environments.

All Nilfisk CFM vacuums can be equipped with special hose and accessories, including those for use in hot ovens and overhead cleaning of pipes and machinery. For more information, visit www.foodprocessingvacuum.com.

For more information, visit www.foodprocessingvacuum.com.

When the Dust Settles: Combustible Dust/Housekeeping Webinar!

Jessica — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:29:33 +0000

Our first webinar! Yesterday our Product Manager, Corry Luckenbach and Senior District Manager, Ray McCarthy presented a webinar on combustible dust and industrial vacuums. The online seminar (hosted by Occupational Health & Safety magazine) was a big hit, providing educational information regarding proper housekeeping and how to choose the right vacuum for your combustible dust challenges. If you couldn’t attend the live webinar, we hope you’ll check out the recorded version here http://ohsonline.com/webcasts/2009/09/a-guide-to-the-prevention-of-combustible-dust-hazards-through-the-use-of-proper-cleaning-equipment.aspx

Enjoy! And of course, if you have any questions, please shoot us an email at questions@nilfisk-advance.com or visit www.explosionproof-vacuum.com

From the Industrial Fire Journal’s ComDust Blog

Jessica — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:28:23 +0000

http://www.hemmingfire.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/640/The_importance_of_explosion_proof_vacuums.html

Nilfisk CFM looks at the importance of utilizing explosion proof vacuums when cleaning up combustible dust in the workplace

When the Dust Settles: A Tutorial on Explosion-proof Vacuums

A comprehensive maintenance plan is a solid first step in preventing a combustible dust-related fire or explosion and can greatly minimize the tragic effects of a secondary blast. By letting dust accumulate on surfaces, facilities are literally adding fuel to the fire and efforts should be taken to insure that dust deposits greater than 1/32”, the thickness of a paperclip, are promptly removed, according to OSHA’s Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program. While mops and brooms have their place in industrial facilities, the process is time consuming and often creates dust clouds, adding to the risk. They also are very limited in what they can clean. A properly-equipped, HEPA-filtered industrial vacuum cleaner suitable for collecting combustible dust, can get the job done in half the time and be used to remove dust from machinery, floors, walls, and overhead pipes and vents.

Even though purchasing an industrial vacuum cleaner to combat combustible dust sounds easy enough, there surprisingly is some complexity to the investment, especially if the vacuum will be used to collect classified hazardous materials like metal dust, coal, or even sugar. Naturally, most plant supervisors assume the machinery in their plants is explosion-proof, including the industrial vacuums, but if you plan on collecting hazardous materials, a certified “explosion-proof” vacuum (EXP) is imperative. In fact, using just a basic vacuum, made of metal parts and exposed motors, can actually add to the risk of explosion.

Certifiable Explosion-Proof: Beware of “Dress Up”

An “explosion-proof” vacuum (EXP) is explosion-proof to the core. This means that everything from the outer shell to the internal mechanics including the motor, switches, filters and inner chambers are grounded and constructed of non-sparking materials like stainless steel. Some industrial vacuum companies offer basic models dressed up with a few anti-static accessories and describe them as suitable for explosive material. These imposters can still create arcs, sparks or heat that can cause ignition of the exterior atmosphere and overheating that can ignite dust blanketing the vacuum.

Purchasing an explosion-proof vacuum approved by a nationally recognized testing agency such as the Canadian Safety Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a must, as it protects buyers from purchasing a poser by providing legal certification that the vacuum can be used in a particular NFPA-classified environment. It ensures every component in the vacuum from the ground up meets strict standards for preventing shock and fire hazards.

Explosion-Proof vs. Intrinsically Safe

In environments where electricity is unavailable or undesirable, air-operated vacuums for hazardous locations are excellent alternatives. Properly outfitted pneumatic vacuums referred to as “intrinsically-safe,” can pack the same punch as their electric counterparts; just make sure they still meet the requirements for use in NFPA-classified environments.

Conclusion

Purchasing a high-quality, certified explosion-proof or intrinsically-safe vacuum is a solid first step in preventing a combustible-dust related explosion, and picking the right vacuum often raises a lot of questions, especially when it comes to disaster prevention. Like all investments, pre-sale research is key. Plant managers shouldn’t hesitate to ask the vacuum-manufacturer for an onsite analysis of their vacuum needs in order to recommend what type of explosion-proof vacuum, hose and accessories are needed for the application. With the right equipment, the vacuum can be used to meet OSHA requirements, collecting dust from the floor, booth walls, and even overhead pipes and vents. And naturally, every manufacturer will be responsive to your needs before you buy, so look for a company that will still be there after the “dust settles.” Excellent post-sale support and training will make things easier when it’s time to purchase replacement parts and filters or service the vacuum.

If used consistently and in conjunction with a comprehensive maintenance plan, the facility’s investment in an explosion-proof vacuum will result in much more than just a clean plant. It will increase productivity, protect your employees, and keep you out of the headlines. For more information visit www.explosionproof-vacuum.com.

Resources

OSHA ComDust Safety Bulletin

Electrical Equipment and Safety Standards

Dealing with the ATEX Directive
Canadian Electrical Code® (C.E.C.)

Note: This informative article examines explosion proof vacuums in the USA. Combustible dust in the workplace is a global issue. Check with your local governing body concerning use of equipment in a potentially explosive atmosphere so as to obtain the current regulations. I’ve provided links to ATEX and CEC in Canada. Additionally, IECEx is the IEC system for electrical equipment use in explosive atmospheres in many countries.