by Imperial Systems | Jun 21, 2016 | Uncategorized
Welding Fumes Meet “CSI”: Why Scientists Are Collecting Welders’ Toenails
A group of researchers interested in exposure to metals in welding fumes come to your workplace to collect samples. You might think they’d be there to test the air quality or to take samples of fumes or dust. However, these researchers didn’t come to do any of those things. The only equipment they bring with them: paper envelopes and toenail clippers.
That’s right… these researchers are here for your toenails.
That’s how researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (Grashow et al, 2014) studied the long-term exposure to toxic metals in weld fumes in a group of welders in Massachusetts. The welders provided several toenail samples over a period of time for analysis of the clippings.
Some forensics television shows have investigators acquire a hair sample and test it for poison. This works because many things that get into our bloodstream, including metals, deposit into our hair and fingernails as they grow. The researchers chose toenails because they grow more slowly and give a record that covers a longer period of exposure.
So what did they find?
Even among workers who wore respirators, researchers were able to detect lead, manganese, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic. Lead is a well-known health hazard, and you probably know that arsenic isn’t a good thing either. Long-term exposure to manganese often leads to central nervous system problems that can mimic Parkinson’s disease. Cadmium can cause cancer, and nickel can cause skin problems and lung irritation.
Respirators are a key part of controlling exposure to welding fumes. However, exposure to enough of these metals would reveal their presence in their toenails. While it wasn’t within the scope of this research study to determine exactly how workers were exposed, one possibility is that respirators may be worn while welding, but not while doing other work around the shop in places where dust from cutting and welding may have accumulated.
A dust collection system that removes welding fumes and dust from the air completely will prevent toxic metal particles from accumulating in your work areas. Respirators may prevent inhalation during welding, but if the weld fumes aren’t being removed from the air, workers can still be exposed to it. A system that keeps the air clean for your entire facility doesn’t just protect workers while they’re wearing respirators. It protects all of your workers, all of the time.
Grashow, R. et al (2014). Toenail metal concentration as a biomarker of occupational welding fume exposure. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 11, 397-405.
Read more
by Imperial Systems | Jun 14, 2016 | Uncategorized
Dust collection management is one of the main investments that those in the timber industry must face in the near future. In fact, Timber Processing Magazine (www.timberprocessing.com), which conducts research on industry production, supply, and investments, notes that many facilities will need to plan for additional equipment needs above and beyond those they have already planned for.
Areas where facilities may need to plan for investments include:
Complete BRF System Installation
- Loading equipment
- Drying kilns
- Planer mill sorting and packaging
- Forklifts
- Conveyors
- Dust control
Because of the highly combustible nature of wood production dust and OSHA’s increasingly strict regulations on combustible dust collection management, dust collection equipment is one of several investments that companies in this industry may need to consider.
Modernization of equipment is often essential to streamline production and materials handling. According to the surveys conducted by Timber Processing Magazine, almost 75% of facilities rated their return on investments in 2015 as “good” or “excellent.”
Investing in Reliability, Safety
When considering where to put that investment, dust control equipment should definitely be top on the list. Processing more product creates more dust, and nothing can shut your production down faster than a malfunctioning dust collection system or, worse, a fire.
Even if your current dust collection system is handling your dust adequately, equipment such as explosion isolation valves, spark arrestors, and backdraft dampers can be a valuable investment in fire and explosion prevention. Wood processing dust has unique demands on dust collection and fire suppression systems, and an experienced systems engineer should be consulted to ensure equipment is optimized for your particular application.
Good news for the timber industry is also good news for manufacturers who produce dust collection management equipment for this industry. This recent report makes it clear that this industry is alive and well, and that companies are likely to see long-term benefits from investments they make in new equipment.
Read more
by Imperial Systems | Jun 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
We hear it every day from customers. Aftermarket customer service from other companies that sell replacement filters is not always a pleasant experience. These customers come to us because they’re tired of automated phone menu systems, messages that never get returned, and questions that never get answered. If you’re ready for a better filter purchasing experience, Imperial Systems is the logical choice.
“Your customer doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. – Damon Richards
This could not be more true of our philosophy. While you know that Imperial Systems custom-designs and manufactures the best dust collectors in the industry, you should also know that we have a dedicated aftermarket team ready to assist you. Whether you need spark traps, replacement airlock parts, or new DeltaMAXXTM filters, our team will be with you all the way. From finding the right part to making sure you’re satisfied with your order.
When you work with Imperial Systems, you’re not just a number, you are a priority! One of our aftermarket customer service professionals will manage your account, and will make sure you always receive a prompt, personal, and helpful response to all of your needs. You’ll always know exactly who to call. You won’t have to explain what you need every time you call us because we already know who you are!
Here are a just a few of our aftermarket professionals committed to providing you with the best service in the industry.
Rebecca, Justin, and Patrick
When you call us for your filters or other aftermarket needs, one of us will be there, in person, ready to return your calls, answer your questions, and solve your problems with the kind of personal attention your business deserves. You treat your customers like they matter. Come and work with the aftermarket sales team who treats you like YOU matter. Call today at 800-918-3013!
Read more
by Imperial Systems | May 25, 2016 | Uncategorized
Ever wonder how much facilities like yours might be paying when they don’t have proper dust control?
When a facility doesn’t have proper dust control equipment installed, or when they fail to protect their workers from welding fumes or combustible dust, fines from OSHA may be in your future. Since March of 2016, numerous fines OSHA have been handed out for respiratory hazard violations:
- A cement company in Ohio is looking at a $92,000 fine for violations that include silica dust exposure
- A company’s abrasive blasting process without proper air filtration resulted in a $121,000 fine for exposing workers to airborne lead
- Fines for a power equipment manufacturer may total $77,000 for violations including failure to evaluate dust hazards
- A pallet manufacturer is facing $152,000 in fines for safety hazards including combustible dust build-up
- Exposing workers to lead and cadmium dust at seven times the permissible limit will cost a Pennsylvania foundry $42,000
- A minerals company that failed to provide proper air quality and dust control exposed workers to lead and arsenic, which may cost them $106,000
Is your dust collection system ensuring you don’t face these kinds of fines? Imperial Systems can help! Our custom-designed dust control systems will help keep your facility and your employees safe. Call one of our knowledgeable team members today to learn more! 800-918-3013.
Read more
by Imperial Systems | May 18, 2016 | Uncategorized
Cheap replacement filters can come at a cost. A Pennsylvania company specializing in polishing and plating tools, molds, and dies found out how much difference the right filter can make.
On a tight budget, they searched for a filter that could handle not only their metal dust but also the oily residue that was pulled into the system with it. They purchased the least expensive filter they could find. The real cost of that decision? The company ended up changing their filters three or more times a year, costing them money not just for the filters, but for the down time and maintenance required to change them so frequently.
They needed a better solution. An Imperial Systems aftermarket professional was able to work with them to determine that a DeltaMAXXTM nanofiber filter might give them the improved durability and filter life that they needed. After they installed these new filters, the company was more than satisfied.
“Our cost in filters and down time are at their lowest,” a company representative stated. “Now we have filters in our dust collectors that last four times longer.”
Cheap replacement filters that are of poor quality only costs you more in the long run. Imperial Systems is proud to help numerous companies just like this one find the right replacement filter to meet their needs! Whether it’s our DeltaMAXXTM nanofiber fire retardant media, spunbond media with PTFE coating for the most extreme demands of pulse-cleaning efficiency, or any other special needs you might have, we can help. Our aftermarket service specialists will talk to you about your process, your current system, and any issues you might be having. Their job is to find the answers you need quickly to ensure your returning business.
No matter what type of dust collector system you have installed, the Imperial Systems Aftermarket team will find the best filter replacement solution. Call today to find out more at 800-918-3013!
Read more
by Imperial Systems | May 16, 2016 | Uncategorized
Weld fumes and metal dust exposure limits aren’t usually something a manufacturer thinks about when in production. Do you know what the limits are? While most people probably don’t have time to memorize the numbers, here’s a quick test:
Which metal in the following list is the most dangerous as far as exposure time?
- Chromium
- Nickel
- Aluminum
- Zinc
- Manganese
How well did you think you did?
All of these metals can be found in welding and metal working dust and fumes. Aluminum irritates the respiratory system. Nickel not only irritates the respiratory system, but also the eyes and skin. Manganese is an irritant, but can also cause central nervous system problems and damage the nerve cells.
If you guessed Chromium, you were correct! This metal has the lowest exposure tolerances in dust and fumes. Hexavalent chromium is known to increase the risk of cancer even with limited exposure. It also causes immediate damage to eyes, lungs, and skin. Even worse, hexavalent chromium is found in chrome alloys, including stainless steel. Welding or cutting these alloys without proper fume and dust collection equipment puts your workers at risk of exposure.
Even if hexavalent chromium isn’t among your weld fumes worries, manganese and other metals commonly found in welding materials are still a hazard. Some alloys contain dangerous metals like beryllium, cobalt, or cadmium. More information on the hazards of metal dust and weld fumes can be found here: OSHA FACTS
Find out HERE how a dust collection system designed by Imperial Systems can protect your workers from all of these harmful metals. Protect your business from citations and fines by calling 800-918-3013!
Related blog post: Welding Fumes and Cancer: The New Research Will Surprise You
Read more
