WHY DUST COLLECTION IS IMPORTANT
Airborne dust and particulate matter is created by many different industrial and commercial processes including grinding,
crushing and impacting material. These processes range from
- sawdust in woodworking environments
- metal particulate from metal cutting and grinding processes
- dust from mineral processing
- airborne particulate from food manufacturing and packaging processes
- paper dust from paper production processes
- particulate from corrugated cardboard and paperboard production and packaging
Dust and airborne particulates are classified into three categories according to the size of the particulate matter.
The three categories are respirable, inhalable and total dust.
- Respirable dust consists of particles that are tiny enough to penetrate deep into the lungs.
- Inhalable dust is dust that is trapped in the nose, throat and upper respiratory tract.
- Total dust is a term that includes the other two types.
Dust can often remain in the air for an indefinite period of time leading to ever greater amounts of dust and airborne
contaminants building up inside of your facility. In fact, it is not uncommon to have companies approach us only after
the situation becomes so bad that the airborne dust has created a visual haze inside of a facility. And if you can already
see the dust hanging in the air, imagine how much dust your employees have already inhaled and how the dust is permeating
every crevice of your machinery and other equipment.
The presence of excessive dust in your facility is hazardous and is a threat to the health of your employees
and to the financial well-being of your company. For your employees, airborne dust and particulates can cause
conditions such as respiratory diseases, irritation to eyes, ears, nose, throat and skin. This represents not only a
health hazard to your employees but also a substantial liability for your company. Airborne dust is also a potentially
costly maintenance nightmare due to its effects on your machinery and equipment. And in some situations, a build-up
of airborne dust and particulates can lead to dust explosions, fire and damage to your equipment.
