Nilfisk Vacuums for Paper and Cardboard Dust

It’s no secret that paper product manufacturing facilities see their fair share of dust, a fibrous particulate that sticks to walls, ceilings, machinery, and overhead areas.

Although there currently is no enforceable standard limiting occupational exposure to paper dust , many of those in the industry might argue there should be. Over the years, many mill workers have complained of respiratory symptoms like chronic cough, chest tightness and wheezing and blame their prolonged exposure to paper dust for these health issues. In 2008, nearly 500 mail industry employees signed a petition blaming their ill health conditions, such as asthma, sore throats, and migraines on exposure to paper fiber generated by sorting machines. Despite these claims, there are actually few studies that back the potential dangers of inhaling paper dust, and for many industry personnel, it’s simply just a nuisance, or is it?

While the jury is still out in regards to the harmful effects of inhaling paper dust, there is mounting evidence it poses a threat elsewhere, as “combustible dust.”

As an organic dust, paper can easily ignite if these conditions exist:

1. Heat (spark from equipment
2. Fuel (paper dust)

3. Oxygen

If these three conditions exist within a confined space, the equation for an explosion is complete, and while an initial fire or blast can be devastating, it can easily stir up and ignite nearby dust accumulations, leading to a secondary explosion that often levels buildings with the force equivalent to a bomb.

Fortunately, manufacturers can minimize their risk of injury and related regulation costs as a result of combustible dust, by implementing best engineering practices—practices which include a comprehensive maintenance plan. A solid first step in preventing a combustible dust related accident, proper housekeeping can also greatly reduce the tragic effects of a secondary blast. By letting dust accumulate on horizontal surfaces, facilities are literally adding fuel to the fire and efforts should be taken to dramatically reduce dust build-up.

Properly-equipped industrial vacuum cleaners, the preferred method for combustible dust preventative maintenance, come in a broad range of models for the specific needs of the paper industry. From portable, intermittent duty vacuums for general cleaning of paper dust to continuous-duty vacuums for process integrated applications, vacuum cleaners should be viewed as specialty-type equipment that offer many more benefits than traditional methods of cleaning.

While brooms and shop-style vacuums may seem cost-effective, they are by no means built for efficiency or reliability and ultimately cost more in the long run.  Equipped with the right hose and accessories, industrial vacuum cleaners can cut cleaning time in half without stirring up surrounding dust. Specifically, paper mills will find extreme value in vacuum-assisted overhead cleaning kits,comprised of long extension wands and curved nozzles that quickly and easily remove paper dust from overhead pipes and other areas where dust settles but goes unnoticed from standard viewpoints.

Occasionally, certain paper facilities, particularly those with areas processing chemically treated paper, may be required by OSHA to use an industrial vacuum cleaner classified as “explosion-proof” to clean hazard-rated areas.An explosion-proof / dust ignition-proof vacuum is explosion-proof through and through. 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. Purchasing an explosion-proof vacuum approved by a nationally recognized testing agency such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) will protect buyers from purchasing a knock-off 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.

If manufacturers are unsure if they need a standard or explosion-proof vacuum cleaner, they should consult with their authority having jurisdiction, such as a building inspector or fire marshal.

In any case, industrial vacuums are customizable systems that can be equipped for any cleaning application, and  investing in this type of superior equipment is a solid first step in minimizing the health and worker safety risks associated with the paper industry. By implementing clear, consistent practices, paper manufacturers will reap the benefits of a solid

housekeeping plan and ultimately meet industry regulations, improve worker safety and increase productivity.

Find the perfect vacuum cleaner for safely collecting paper dust here. We recommend taking a look at the explosion proof/hazardous location vacuums, which include electric models (118 EXP, 118 EXPW, CD 3507EXP, & CD 3707EXP) and pneumatic models (A15 EXP, A15 EXPW, &  A17 EXP).