Food Protection Trends - September 2008 - 677

INDuSTRY PRODuCTS cally reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of a deadly explosion, and a solid maintenance plan that includes an explosion-proof industrial vacuum is the first step in the right direction. When collecting combustible food dust, explosion-proof vacuums (EXP) are a must. In fact, not using one can actually add to potential dangers. With so much at stake, plant managers should be informed about their purchase as not just any vacuum will do the trick. An EXP must be made of non-sparking stainless steel and be equipped with a special enclosed motor that will prevent potential explosions within the vacuum. If you’re in the market for an electric model, approval by a nationally-recognized testing agency such as CSA is a must. This means the machine exceeds a strict set of industry standards and is approved for use in Class I, Division I, Group D and Class II, Division 1, Groups F and G, meeting the National Fire Protection Agency’s recommendations for picking up combustible food dust. In environments where electricity is unavailable or undesirable, intrinsically-safe pneumatic models are also available for collection of hazardous materials. Currently, testing agencies do not exist for airoperated vacuums, but still look for models that are properly equipped for hazardous locations and meet the requirements use in Class I, Division I, Group D and Class II, Division 1, Groups F and G environments. It’s no secret that industrial vacuums are a great method for controlling dust. Unlike mops and brooms or compressed air, industrial vacs efficiently collect and maintain dust and debris. And even explosionproof vacuums can be equipped with a variety of conductive accessories for thorough cleaning of floors, machinery, and hard-to-reach areas like ceilings and overhead pipes. In addition, HEPA-filtered vacs can prohibit hazardous dust from re-entering the air through the exhaust. Picking the right vacuum often raises a lot of questions, especially when it comes to disaster prevention, and dealing with a vacuum manufacturer that is knowledgeable and available to answer your questions will help the process run smoother. Don’t be afraid to request an on-site visit from the vacuum manufacturer. A thorough facility assessment will allow them to get a close look at your individual application before making a recommendation. Some companies will even offer free machine demos and post-sale machine training. As displayed in Georgia and in plants all across the US, the term “maintenance” oversimplifies the role an industrial vacuum system plays in today’s manufacturing processes. The proper system can protect an organization’s most valuable asset – its employees. Nilfisk-Advance 610.232.5469 Malvern, PA www.nilfiskcfm.com Nilfisk-Advance Nilfisk-Advance Says OSHA Recommends Industrial Vacuums as Part of a Solid Maintenance Plan W hen thinking about explosive materials, there are many things that come to mind–gasoline, gun powder, paint, etc. Rarely does one ever think about sugar dust, an organic material that with the right conditions and a small spark can create a devastating explosion equivalent to that of a bomb. Earlier this year, the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, GA tragically experienced this first hand; unfortunately they are not alone. In the past 10 years, more than 120 industry employees have been killed by 300 similar dust explosions across the country. Although lawmakers have for years been urging OSHA to develop industry-wide standards on combustible dust in the workplace, none currently exist. Still, there are measures that can be taken to dramati- Russell Finex SelfCleaning Filter System That Eliminates Plant Production Stoppage M anufactured at the Russell Finex plant, the Eco Filter is a self-cleaning system that inte- Be sure to mention, “I read about it in Food Protection Trends”! SEPTEMBER 2008 | FOOD PROTECTION TRENDS 677

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Food Protection Trends - September 2008

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