TOOL BRIEFING ever, the most important benefit would be that of the technician's health. Speaking as a technician that spent well over 30 years out in the shop, anything that can be done towards improving the health of any individual is money well spent. One benefit that may not have been thought of initially is worker safety. There is a lot of focus in our industry, as well as other trades, on limiting workplace injuries. I completely agree with that sentiment, but I would love to see an increased effort focused on the long-term results of poor workplace habits. Many technicians I have had the pleasure to spend time with will know well this subject as they've heard me preach it on every occasion no matter the subject being taught. We as an industry need to do a better job of focusing on the future. Any process or tool/equipment implementation should have these concerns included. The vacuum sanding systems available today afford just that type of ability. It should be obvious that a technician wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should have less chance of dust intake using these systems (Figure 3). While no respirator or sanding system will eliminate all chances of inhalation, it would be prudent to reduce the amount as much as possible. That being said, I would also warn that the use of these systems in no way should affect the proper use of PPE. These vacuum systems require the use of what I call the big three: eye, hand, and respiratory protection are pretty much required for any product or process in today's collision repair shop. HOW TO USE A DUSTLESS SANDING SYSTEM 1. Clean the panel to be repaired with soap and water followed by the paint manufacturer's guidelines for panel preparation before repair. 2. Sand the area in preparation for the filler application. Follow the product manufacturer's guidelines. 3. Apply filler. The first coat should be applied very thin and tight p Figure 3 - Technician Ken uses a vacuum 5mm orbit sander to featheredge a repair on a bumper cover. p Figure 2 - Minor amount of dust remains after sanding a large repaired area. 36 PTEN SEPTEMBER 2021 www.VehicleServicePros.comhttp://www.VehicleServicePros.com