Posts Tagged ‘explosion proof vacuum’

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Imperial Sugar Marks Third Anniversary of Combustible Dust Tragedy

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Monday marked the third anniversary of the Imperial Sugar combustible dust explosion. According to the company’s website, ImpCourtesy of ISCerial marked the day with a somber memerial ceremony where family members, friends and co-workers placed flowers and candles at memorial markers in Legacy Park located on the grounds of the plant. The focal point of the park is a beautiful bronze sculpture of 14 doves taking flight from upturned hands that Imperial Sugar commissioned to pay tribute to those employees who lost their lives.

Three years after the explosion, Imperial Sugar has completed rebuilding the Port Wentworth refinery, which has become an exemplary model for safety in the industry. The new facility incorporates state-of-the-art technologies – including a modern packaging facility equipped with dustless loading devices, antistatic floors and firewalls, among other safety features. Read the full story here.

You may also want to check out some of our past blog posts related to the Imperial Sugar tragedy.

Imperial Sugar Rises from the Combustible Dust Ashes: http://www.nilfiskcfmblog.com/2010/10/imperial-sugar-company-rebuilds/

Combustible Dust Ground Zero: The Real Story: http://www.nilfiskcfmblog.com/2010/08/combustible-dust-ground-zero-the-real-story/

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Combustible Dust Preventative Maintenance is a Serious Job that Requires a Serious Solution

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues to have its sights set on combustible dust, once again naming it a high priority for the new year. As a result, industrial manufacturers are stepping up their maintenance plans to remove hazardous dust accumulations. In high-risk facilities, certified explosion-proof vacuum cleaners are required to safely collect combustible dust; our Nilfisk CFM CD 3507 EXP is an explosion-proof vacuum ideal for larger combustible dust jobs, including process-integration to collect dust at the source or as part of a central vacuum system used throughout the plant. 

Nilfisk CD3507EXPLike all our EXP vacuums, the Nilfisk CFM CD 3507 EXP is CSA-approved for use in Class I, Group D and Class II, Groups E, F, and G environments. Constructed of non-sparking stainless steel, the vacuum features an explosion-proof regenerative blower with a three-phase TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) induction motor with few moving parts and long service life. Other features include:

  • Antistatic filter with large surface area guarantees high filtration efficiency and prevents premature clogging.
  •  Available with manual or automatic filter cleaning system to easily clean the main filter, without opening up the vacuum. This not only maintains vacuum suction performance, but also improves worker productivity.
  • Drop out wheeled collection container for easy disposal of collected materials.
  •  Optional HEPA filtration available to collect 99.97% of particles, down to and including 0.3 microns. 

In addition, the Nilfisk CFM CD 3507 EXP is available with a wide range of non-sparking, antistatic accessories to clean hard-to-reach areas including overhead pipes, walls, and machinery. 

 

Want to know more? Check out our combustible dust focus site at www.explosionproof-vacuum.comor call 1-800-645-3475 to schedule a free combustible dust maintenance assessment with your local Nilfisk rep.

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Posted in Combustible dust / Explosion-proof vacuum cleaners, Homepage, Nilfisk Industrial Vacuums Press Releases | No Comments »

Kansas OSHA issues Grain National Emphasis Program; includes combustible dust

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Following 2 fatalities in Russell, KS from a grain elevator collapse, the state’s OSHA office is cracking down on grain-related accidents with a new local emphasis program. According to OHSonline, OSHA said personnel from its Wichita Area Office will examine grain elevators, storage bins; rail cars; milling, fertilizer, feed, chemical, and farm machinery operations; and equipment repair and maintenance, with their inspections including hazard evaluations on fall protection, engulfment, fire, explosions from combustible dust, noise, confined spaces, and machine guarding. Kansas ranks first nationally in flour milling, wheat gluten production, and wheat stored, according to the state’s Department of Agriculture.

“The hazards associated with grain handling operations are well recognized, and allowing workers to enter grain storage facilities without proper equipment, precautions, and training can cost workers their lives,” said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA’s regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. “OSHA’s Wichita Area Office will devote resources to outreach and enforcement activities in an effort to prevent workplace hazards and save lives.”

This program continues OSHA’s 2010 emphasis on grain operations. Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels sent a letter Aug. 4 reminding grain elevator operators about engulfment hazards.

The risk of a grain-related combustible dust fire or explosion can be greatly reduced with a strong and consistent maintenance plan.  OSHA recommends using a properly-equipped industrial vacuum cleaner (certified explosion-proof) to collect accumulations of dust on walls, pipes, and overhead areas. For more information, visit www.explosionproof-vacuum.com.

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Am I at risk for combustible dust? Assume Yes.

Monday, March 15th, 2010

It seems like every other day there’s an article like this one popping up in my inbox that cries out  “X” Industry at Risk for Combustible Dust!  Well, the unfortunate truth is that dust is everywhere, and with the right conditions so is the potential for a combustible dust event.   Yes, some combustible dusts are more surprising than others (cinnamon isn’t as sweet as we once thought), but the bottom line is, with manufacturing comes dust.  Luckily not all preventative measures need to cost a fortune.  In fact, housekeeping is a HUGE part of the equation.  If you can remove the dust, than you’ve removed a key part of the ComDust pentagon. Just be sure you’re using safe techniques

1. Don’t create dust clouds while sweeping (or using compressed air, which doesn’t  remove the dust anyways).

2. If your dust is “classed” be sure to use non-sparking, antistatic accessories.

3. Make sure your vacuums are approved for use in your classed environment (consult with your AHJ to determine if your environment requires explosion-proof equipment). In many cases, a standard vacuum with antistatic accessories will do the trick, but check with your AHJ first.

4. Don’t forget those hard-to-reach areas, especially tops of machinery, ceiling pipes, lights, etc.

5. If you opt for a contract cleaner, make sure they’re trained and certified to deal with combustible dust; and make sure they have the right equipment! Beware of companies who use shop-style vacuums to collect hazardous materials.  Improper equipment made of plastic and exposed motors, can actually cause the deadly spark.

Want more info on combustible dust preventative maintenance, check out www.explosionproof-vacuum.com

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Combatting Combustible Dust with Explosion Proof Vacuum Cleaners

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Minimize your combustible dust risk with proper cleaning procedures. For more information on combustible dust and preventative maintenance, visit www.explosionproof-vacuum.com.

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