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What was life like for a factory worker in the old days, when industrial extraction was still an unknown concept? If we could fly back to the 1900s and ask a factory worker about his busy day, he would surely pour out a torrent of complaints that would last for hours.
Fortunately, the conditions in today's production companies are not comparable to those of the old days. Progress has brought a series of revolutionary innovations. Industrial air filtration is a priority area, as it prevents many undesirable effects for both business owners and employees. But what are the misconceptions that many people treat as facts about technological extraction and air filtration? Today, we shed light on seven key misconceptions that can not only hinder the efficient operation of a factory, but can also put lives at risk.
1. Industrial extraction, air filtration only takes money
Many people think that installing the right extraction system is a waste of money, as it costs more than it benefits. But this is a big mistake!
Just imagine how much ventilation used to be needed in the smoky industrial halls to get the polluted air out of the workplace, and the waste of energy becomes obvious. The air let in as make-up air greatly reduced the efficiency of the heating. In contrast, modern industrial dust extraction equipment can save us a lot of money.
How can we save money with industrial extraction?
- There is no need to exhaust polluted air, as industrial air filtration equipment allows you to clean it and return it to the work area. This saves the cost of unnecessary ventilation equipment and significantly reduces heating costs.
- We can also minimise the amount of waste and unnecessary downtime. With properly selected and installed air filtration equipment, you don't have to worry about the smooth and continuous operation of your production line. This is because dust, oil mist, smoke, etc. will no longer cause disruption.
- The chances of our workers getting sick are much lower. They can work in clean air and a draught-free environment every day.
- It can significantly improve the productivity of your company. The National University of Singapore his study the productivity loss of factory workers working in polluted air was clearly measurable after only 25 days. In fact, a 10-year study by the University of Southern California and the University of California research we can say that if particulate matter increases by only 5 micrograms per cubic metre in a factory, worker productivity decreases by 3 % (which is roughly 21 cents per hour.)
- With an industrial extraction/air filtration solution, you can face unexpected environmental inspections with peace of mind. You will be in compliance with all legislation.
- As well as protecting the health of our workers, we can also minimise health claims and the millions of dollars in compensation that come with them, so that we don't lose any more sleep.
2. Industrial/technological extraction is just an added convenience
Some people believe that the installation of a technological extraction system is almost a luxury in a given plant, even if they are aware of the benefits mentioned above. In no case, however, can we speak of a mere convenience. Why?
There are many studies showing that polluted air can lead to tragedy. A flammable dusts, or flammable media in general, are responsible for an increasing number of fatal industrial accidents worldwide. It is no coincidence that the last 10 to 20 years have gone down in the history of industrial safety engineering as an era of regulation and amendment of the flammable dust regulations.
Tragedies resulting from the lack of industrial exhaust ventilation
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has published thesis addresses a number of safety issues to reduce the number of fatal accidents. According to the study, 51 deaths due to negligence were reported in 2010. The majority of these explosions were caused by cereal grains or cereal dust.
A Chemical Safety Board says that between 2006 and 2017 alone, 111 combustible dust-related accidents occurred in US factories, killing 66 people. Another thesis discusses the lack of information on explosive dusts and the circumstances of related accidents and the inadequate database. The 2006 thesis "Study of Combustible Dust Hazards" examines three similar incidents, all of which occurred in 2013. The author comes to a startling realisation. No agency kept records of the causes of the accidents, or even the number of them. So the number of these incidents may be much higher than many people think. And the root causes may be mainly related to the source of ignition.
Where can we expect such accidents and what can we do about them?
Explosions caused by combustible dust are most common in the metal, food, wood, rubber, plastics and pharmaceutical industries. This highlights the need for factories to pay more attention to the hazards of working with combustible dust. These tragic accidents can, of course, only occur if combustible materials are handled with inadequately safe industrial equipment during production processes.
The solution for industrial exhaust/air filtration, i.e. the selection and installation of the optimal air filtration equipment, is therefore an essential part of the life of a safe and properly functioning factory. In all cases, it is advisable to seek the help of professionals who can provide both technical analysis, zoning and implementation of explosion safety.
3. Dust from the technology is not so dangerous
Here's the bad news: it's not just draughts from poorly chosen ventilation methods that can cause health problems for workers, but also dust from our technology. Welding, for example, releases dangerous suspended particles in processing and manufacturing facilities. These particles have a diameter of 0.1 to 0.5 microns. By comparison, a human hair is 100 microns in diameter. This means that these tiny particles are even smaller than viruses. The smaller the particle, the easier it is to pass through the lungs and into the bloodstream. This is bad news because these very tiny particles are extremely toxic substances. It is no coincidence that legislation limits their presence in factories. And what symptoms can they cause?
In the absence of industrial fumigation, they can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. But in many cases, inhaling them can lead to long-lasting flu-like symptoms. In extreme cases, welding fumes can cause stomach ulcers, kidney and nervous system damage. It can also contain toxic metals such as chromium and manganese. The latter, for example, can cause serious neurological problems similar to Parkinson's disease. And chromium is known to be a potent carcinogen.
Oil mist: the insidious killer
It is worth knowing that oil mist also raises serious health concerns in modern manufacturing environments. Oil mist means the vapours of a heated oil or emulsion (a mixture of water and oil). Many trades, including modern metalworking (turning, drilling, milling, etc.), are unthinkable without the right lubricant and coolant. During machining, these materials form an oil mist, partly due to temperature and partly due to mechanical effects, which, without proper industrial extraction, poses a direct risk to workers and the working environment.
It may contain chemicals that irritate the skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Thermal processes can create particulate matter smaller than a micron that can be easily inhaled by workers. Depending on the chemical environment in which the worker comes into contact with the liquid, a number of serious illnesses may be at risk. Prolonged inhalation can cause asthma or chronic bronchitis. And if that's not enough, workers' health is also at risk from micro-organisms and fungi found in various mists.
When the factory turns into a slide park
Unfortunately, with oil mist, you also have to remember that it can build up on various surfaces, forming a layer of oil and grease. This not only makes a bad impression on employees and customers, but can also lead to comedy slips. And the resulting injuries are not funny to say the least...
Therefore, it is crucial to reduce potential health risks by proper collection and screening of these harmful substances. Fortunately, proper technological extraction and air filtration are the perfect solution to these problems.
4. The health of my employees is a matter of conscience
The health risks to workers from the lack of adequate industrial exhaust ventilation are now well known. However, if this does not convince us of the importance of properly functioning extraction equipment, it is worth looking at the legislation in force. But which regulation is it and what exactly does it cover?
So you don't have to spend hours browsing, we've put together the most important things to know about Joint Decree 3/2002 (II. 8.) SzCsM-EüM are located in. This is about the minimum level of occupational safety and health requirements for workplaces. It states that "in enclosed workplaces, sufficient quantities and quality of air which is not harmful to health must be ensured, taking into account the working methods used and the physical strain on workers. Where workplaces are likely to be polluted by gases, vapours, aerosols, dusts (fibres), the requirements of the relevant legislation must be taken into account." In addition, "where ventilation systems are used, their permanent and efficient operation must be ensured."
Industrial extraction, air filtration - not just any way
If the above rules are not enough, it is good to know that the Regulation states that in the case of artificial ventilation, the method, nature and extent of ventilation must take into account, among other things, the nature of the activity and technology, the level of air pollution, the amount of pollutants released per unit of time and the air volume of the room. Ventilation systems shall be kept clean. Deposited contaminants must be removed without delay. The agitation of pollutants and the formation of unpleasant and harmful air movements must also be prevented.
In fact, the concept of technological extraction is even used to define the source of the air used to replace the extracted air. It must be taken "from the cleanest point in the environment, taking into account the place of release or emission of the pollutant and meteorological factors, on the basis of measurement documents. Fresh air sampling points shall be located at least 8 m from vehicular traffic (roads) and at least 2,5 m above ground level. In the case of air intakes above the roof, it shall be ensured that the distance between the air intake and the outlet is at least 3 m. The intake air shall be preheated or cooled as necessary and humidified using water of drinking water quality. To ensure air quality, the requirements of ambient air quality legislation shall be taken into account and, where necessary, the intake air shall be purified."
Commitments that are good to know about
The industrial extraction solution raises additional requirements. According to the legislation, "when ventilation systems are installed, measurements must be taken to ensure that there is a sufficient quantity and quality of air." The employer must ensure that the measurement documents certifying this are kept.
It is also important to know that "technical systems providing pressurized, balanced, depressurized ventilation for ventilation purposes are considered to be safety equipment. Their proper functioning shall be checked by measurements in the framework of periodic safety inspections as specified in the relevant legislation."
So it is key to be aware of the above legislation and to comply with it. There can be serious consequences if the wrong decisions are taken, even if they are based on economic considerations.
5. No link between industrial absorption and labour emigration
Ignoring the above-mentioned legislation and workers' health can lead to further problems that you might not think of. As managers, we are certainly aware of the knowledge and value of our workers. We also know that losing them would do huge damage to the company. Recruiting a new colleague takes a lot of time and energy. And even if by some minor miracle we manage to find a good professional, we still have to think about the time, money and energy it takes to train them.
Despite this, the lack of optimal industrial extraction and the redundancies are not equated by many. But think about it: if colleagues feel that they work for a company that is committed to providing working conditions that meet European standards, they are likely to appreciate it. Otherwise, qualified workers will have no difficulty in finding a new job where they can work in comfort.
So if we want to avoid dismissals, it is important to earn the respect of our employees. The installation of the right industrial extraction equipment will allow them to work in an environment that they enjoy going to every day. And we don't have to dread losing an irreplaceable professional.
6. Technological extraction: any filter will do
Now we know that by using technological fume hoods we can provide a healthy working environment for our employees, comply with all the laws that apply to us, say goodbye to damages and lawsuits caused by layoffs and significantly improve the productivity of our company. However, the choice of extraction equipment and air filters can raise many questions. How to do it? Which type will ensure a real improvement in working conditions? How should the system be maintained? Will the extraction efficiency be adequate?
Here it is worth taking a moment to reflect. It's one thing to have a quality, well-chosen air filtration system, but that system must also be able to capture the air it is filtering. In other words, the equipment has to capture dust, smoke and mist as efficiently as possible, so that it has something to filter, but also so that it doesn't over-saturate the system, for example, so that spice powder doesn't get into the bag. So there are a lot of things to watch out for, otherwise your system will not be efficient.
If we do a detailed research on the above questions to find answers, we are sure to find universal solutions. At first glance, these may seem obvious, as they have a variety of extraction functions. They can be used to control soldering fumes, grinding dusts or welding fumes, for example. But then why is a universal solution not a good idea if the aim is efficient technology extraction and air filtration?
Specific problem - specific filter
The main disadvantage of these devices is that they cannot perform the task of industrial extraction with the same efficiency as specialised extraction systems "specialised" for a particular type of work. Just think: your family doctor would be there as a decoration if you needed emergency brain surgery. Just as every disease requires a different specialist, the particles of fumes and dust from soldering, grinding and welding are not the same size, so different types of filters are needed for perfect, clean filtration. For example, a kitchen extractor in a factory can perform a completely different task from its counterpart in a welding shop.
It is therefore always worth seeking the opinion of a professional to determine exactly which extraction system will provide the optimum solution for your plant. It is best to ask for a personalised offer in every case. Choose a company that not only designs the work, but also carries it out, providing a turnkey solution with a system guarantee.
7. Convenience features are always useful
If we feel that the issue of industrial fumigation no longer holds any unanswered questions for us, there is surely one final dilemma before we make a final decision. It is easy to make the mistake of piling on the convenience features when choosing equipment. We feel that, since we are spending so much, the system must be "perfect". For example, it should have various sensors, controls and saturation indicators. But are these conveniences worth spending so much money on?
Even before you agree to a particular offer, it is important to know that these extra features are often a source of failure. Industrial extractors can often break down due to malfunction. And unnecessary maintenance can significantly disrupt production. But there may be much more banal reasons why these convenience features are unnecessary. When you consider that dust and contaminants will be deposited on this equipment in your plant, it is clear that sensors and displays will inevitably become dusty. So no one will be able to see them. It is therefore easiest to choose a solution that is focused on the main task, i.e. the extraction of dirt. This way, the chances of malfunctions are minimised. To avoid surprises, it is worth asking a professional who has years of experience to recommend and implement the best solution for you.
Industrial extraction: leave it to the professionals!
If you think about the misconceptions above, it becomes clear that industrial extraction is a cardinal point in the life of a plant. Whether it is the installation of extraction equipment in the chemical industry or in a large kitchen, the design of an extraction system must be considered in a complex way, taking into account the parameters of the room. Unfortunately, in Hungary, four out of five companies selling industrial extraction systems do not take into account where their product is to be installed. The main thing is to sell. For example, they do not even check whether the room has sufficient air supply. This is important because the extractor cannot extract anything if there is not an adequate air supply. In this case, efficient operation can be said goodbye. Just like our money down the drain...
That's why it's crucial to always entrust the solution of industrial extraction - rather than to dealers - to a company with engineering and construction expertise, who will address all the issues together in a complex way: how to capture the contamination, which is the most efficient filtering equipment and how the system relates to the existing air balance of the building. The latter will assess exactly and quickly what we need to achieve maximum efficiency. By installing a carefully and accurately designed system in your plant, you not only protect the health of your employees, but also your company's wallet.
