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Posted By John Almond
Regarding the dust , the company spent almost £1.5 million on dust extraction 2 years ago, but the problem is the fact that although the dust is being extracted we also need air to be put back into the factory and this is where the problem comes in, the main extraction unit (and this thing is the same size as a semi detached house) is leaking MDF dust into the atmosphere and the air being introduced into the factory is contaminated with the said dust.
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Posted By Tyler
How do you know the air is contaminated, have you had monitoring from the dust extraction exhaust done?
It sounds as though the filters are damaged and need replacing or there is a leak prior to the filters.
Either way the system need some work on it.
Can the system be placed outside?
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
John
Get the equipment installers back in to fix the problem. If air is to be recirculated, the concentration of any contaminants should be no more than 10% of the occupational exposure limit. If you need proof that this concentration is being exceeded (before anyone will take your concerns seriously), you will need to find someone who can carry out isokinetic sampling of the air issuing from the extraction system.
Paul
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Posted By John Almond
Tyler
When you get a half inch layer of dust on boxes that have only been stacked for a week then you know that there is contamination and the system is outside.
Regarding getting the installers back that would cost to much so the company have our maintenance dept do the filter cleaning .
Thanks for the replies guys.
Keep em coming.
Regards
John
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Posted By Jim Walker
John,
Whilst it is prefereable to get these issues resolved nicely, if you feel the management need a kick up the backside then there is a legal requirement to inspect and mainintain LEV.
For example, has the equipment been examined by a competent person within the last 14 months?
You could contact the local HSE and ask them to visit.
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Posted By AlanB
AS previously said, you may have a faulty unit, but if the equipment is sound and dust is issued into the atmosphere you need to ask yourself - why are you emitting this into the atmosphere in the first place? Can you not re-design the unit to house filters to filter the dust? Or how about one of those nice but expensive electrical dust attractor things (God knows what they are called!) where the dust particles are attracted to negative charges (or something similar). You could also use fine mist sprays somewhere wihtin the extraction unit (or at it's end) to trap dust.
Of course, another option would be to emit dust from one side of the factory, and attract clean air in from the other, but I would suggest you reduce the amount of MDF dust you release into the atmosphere first!
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
John
Are you saying that this kit has been leaking since it was installed or that it has developed leaks since due to little, no or improper maintenance. If the former then I am afraid for the whole of the workforce if such poorly designed and installed kit has been paid for in full.
If the latter then someone is going to have to bite the bullet and get the work done. As a thought are you using HEPA filters orhas someone done a deal to get a cheaper copy because you are getting through too many?
In your other thread you talk of sweeping - This is a total No-No for dust like this. Dry sweeping was banned in the pottery industry when Noah was a lad and MDF dust is often finer than clay dust. You undoubtedly have a problem which your managers are loath to address.
Still, just to show how cynical we old soldiers can be, I have to ask if this firm is for real. E-mail me personally with the answer if you wish. If it is then all the advice concerning a friendly visit needs to be followed.
Bob
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Posted By John Almond
Hi Robert
I will Email you later with more details. And again thanks to those that have responded
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Posted By Tyler
It does seem as though its a bit dusty!!
The extraction device is obviouly lacking in the filtration area somewhat.
As previously asked,
1 Are filters being used,
2 Are they the correct type (HEPA?)
3 Is the dust/particulate matter portion of the air being stopped at all prior to emission to atmosphere.
4 If not you may have to have the extraction tested for Total Particulate Matter emissions (isokinetic sampling) and have the process authorised by the local EH Dept
5 It sounds as though the efflux velocity of the stack (extraction discharge) is not high enough to disperse the dust adequately and or the stack is not high enough (if indeed it is a stack at all).
Additionally have you any filtration on the air inlet fans/dilution air fans to the workplace?
Tyler
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Posted By Stephen Ashton
John,
If the Local Exhasut Ventilation system is allowing workplace dust accumulation at anything approaching the levels described then it is seriously under-performing.
It sounds as if there could be a very serious explosion risk associated with the extraction / collection system. In the 1990s, there were an average of five fires / explosions a year from this type of operation (see HSE WIS32)... all of them with the potential for multiple fatalities, and many resulting in building loss and business collapse...
So as well as a COSHH assessment your Company should be undertaking an assessment under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regs and implementing appropriate precautions. Fortunately, the solution to both health and Fire/explosion risk is relatively simple (if occasioanly costly) - make certain the extraction is properly designed and maintained.
Steve
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Posted By John Almond
Dear Stephen
You quoted in your post “It sounds as if there could be a very serious explosion risk associated with the extraction / collection system”)
That did happen two years ago and that was the reason they had to spend all that money on the extraction.
Let me say here that this extraction is seriously big, I quoted the size of a semi but after looking at the extraction units today they are some 40 feet high and 60 to 70 feet long and there are three of them and when they are running you cannot have a conversation within 20 feet.
I am at the moment talking to the maintenance dept to try and find out what is going wrong, and will update when I can
Regards
John
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