Rank: Super forum user 
|
I have seen something which made me feel very uncomfortable, namely using hand held air wands to blow excess plastic shards from moulds. I was told that this is standard practice.................which makes me feel uneasy.
I see the problem as being mainly plastic being ejected into the eye, and that use of a suction device or a brush would be better? The trouble is, this appears to be a well established practice.
Has anyone with experience in this area got a view?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
The HSE guidance ( I think ) mentions that you can use compressed air to clean but at a reduced pressure ( sorry - can't remember the pressure stated ).
I always get uncomfortable with this sort of thing myself - I guess the test question is "Can it be done another way?" If so then it probably should be. use of vac cleaner perhaps?
I did work in a blow moulding plant a few years back and the moulds were cleaned by brush - never compressed air. Having said that the moulds were not very intricate - so no dead corners for pieces to hide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
As was so rightly stated, if you can find a safer way, then that's the way to do it. This applies to most hazardous activity.
Having said that, we have a process where compressed air has to be used because brush and vacumn can not get into the intricate parts to be cleaned.
We used compressed air at below 25 psi and use a hand held nozzle that emits two jets of air, one as a cone, surrounding the work area and thereby stopping any debris from coming back to the operator and a central narrow diameter jet used for blowing out.
Dust masks and goggles are provided as further measures of control, training is given to operators and monitoring takes place.
Of course you then have to comply with the extra hazards of having a compressor and compressed air storage vessels to contend with.
Hope this helps
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
There are guns that are powered by compressed air that use the venturi principle to create suction and can then function as a mini vacuum with no moving parts. Some even use a combination of air jet and vacuum to loosen detritus then suck it up. With at least one model you can attach tubes, brushes, etc. for optimum effect or to reach into corners which would otherwise not be treated.
These are commercially available. If you PM me with your e-mail I can let you know where to look. (Moderators:- I have no commercial interest or involvement in the suppliers of these items.)
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.