Powder coating is the preferred finishing technique for consumer and industrial goods, thanks to its durability, economy and quality.
However, the powder itself may present serious health and safety risks when stored, conveyed and applied to products. Under the right conditions, one such risk is the high possibility of combustible dust explosions. An additional risk associated with improper handling of powder dust includes inhalation of particles by workers. It is crucial to ensure that proper housekeeping procedures are put in place and followed on a regular basis to mitigate these risks.
Due to recent NFPA and OSHA guidelines requiring facilities to perform a comprehensive dust hazard analysis and develop a plan to deal with these risks, manufacturers and factory owners now need specialized tools to meet regulations and minimize these hazards.
HafcoVac’s certified, explosion-proof industrial vacuums present an intrinsically safe solution for powder coating clean up. They offer excellent suction regardless of the dust’s location — whether the paint particles are on overhead beams, machinery, walls or floors.
In this article, we will learn more about powder coating, the potential risks that come with it and how we can help prevent them with Certified HafcoVac vacuums.
What Is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is one of the most in-demand paint application techniques for manufacturers of industrial and consumer appliances. In fact, the appliance industry acquires the largest share of the powder coating market, amounting to two-fifths of all industrial powder coated parts.
The powder coating process involves spraying paint in the form of powder on top of binders and pigments that are sprayed directly onto the surface. In contrast, liquid paint has binders and pigments present in solvent. The inclusion of binders and pigments in liquid paint results in longer drying times, which can also vary depending on atmospheric conditions.
Once the powder coating spraying is completed, the item must be baked to a certain temperature for a set amount of time. Called curing, the duration of this process is different for different types of powder. Next, the powder is heated to a high temperature in order for the powder to melt. Once melted, the object is cooled for a hard and durable finish.
Several types of materials including plastics, metals, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and glass can be powder coated. Similarly, many types of textures and finishes that are not possible with liquid coating methods can be achieved with powder paint.
Here are some advantages of powder coating:
- More durable compared to liquid coating
- Better and thicker finish
- Low environmental impact
- Less waste
- Efficient curing and drying process
Risks Associated With Powder Coating
As mentioned, the biggest risks related to powder coating are fire and dust explosions, followed by dust particle inhalation.
A dust explosion occurs when there is powder accumulation in different parts of a factory or site. If introduced to a source of ignition, it can result in its rapid combustion.
One possible source of ignition is static electricity. This can build up when a vacuum has no grounding to dissipate the static charge generated by the unidirectional flow of the powder debris through the cleaning hose.
If this ungrounded hose comes in contact with a grounded object, the consequence can be a deadly explosion. That’s why OSHA and the NFPA 654 standard recommend your vacuum: “control static electricity, including bonding of equipment to ground.”
The rapid combustion of powder coating dust is known to have caused several fires that have resulted in serious damage to the factory and led to pricey shutdowns. As a matter of fact, in 2016 alone, a total of 22 workers were injured and three casualties were recorded due to fire and dust explosions in the U.S. and Canada, combined.
Considering the extent of damage that combustible dust can cause, it is important to use vacuums specially designed to eliminate the risk.
Why Vacuums Are Necessary
With powder coating, the inclusion of an explosion-proof vacuum that can safeguard both workers and the workplace by reducing the possibility of a dust explosion is an essential part of any housekeeping procedure.
As such, it’s important to select a vacuum that is durable and reliable and can efficiently draw up powder from different surfaces. One key element of a vacuum is its filtration system; a good model can clean up powder efficiently without exhausting fine dust into the air. Look for one that has a HEPA filter.
HEPA filters are 99.8% effective at keeping fine dust particles from entering the air. That results in cleaner air and a cleaner workplace, reducing the explosion risk. HEPA filters are the ideal choice for vacuuming fine dust.
Many people opt for standard vacuums or Shop-Vacs to pick up powder without realizing that they have limited filtration capacity and motor quality. As such, they do more harm than good and need to be replaced multiple times a year. Some even produce a static charge that could result in the combustion of the dust. Instead, look for one that is fully grounded and bonded to ensure static charges can’t become an ignition source.
Benefits of Selecting the Right Vacuum
Here are some benefits of selecting a certified, intrinsically safe vacuum:
- Filtration system with HEPA filters that is 99.8% effective at keeping fine dust particles from entering the air.
- Properly grounded and bonded to eliminate the possibility of static shock.
- Virtually eliminates the chance of explosion by trapping combustible dust.
HafcoVac’s Compressed Air Powered Vacuums
Our vacuums perform proficiently in environments where compressed air is available and use of electric equipment is less desirable due to the combustible dust hazard.
HafcoVac vacuums are multipurpose and can meet the cleaning needs of multiple types of industries. They are certified explosion-proof and intrinsically safe in order to clean and extract combustible dust, and other dry and wet materials, from industrial facilities without letting particles escape into the air.
When fitted with our optional S’Hush exhaust silencer, HafcoVac vacuums are silent enough to be used without ear protection, as required by OSHA noise regulations. And with our optional Jack tool holder, hoses are kept neat and off the ground, removing a potential tripping hazard and helping comply with OSHA walking-working surface regulations.
They can be used at the ground level, or they can be used from above in order to clean spraying booths easier.
Plus, our high-quality HEPA filters are long-lasting, large capacity, replaceable filters that come with a washable filter bag to further prolong the filter life, so you don’t have to replace them as often while still keeping your facility safe. Instead of using 4–5 Shop-Vacs a year, use just one HEPA filter.
This vacuum uses compressed air that is already available in your powder coating facility and does not require any external power source. Our vacuums provide five times more suction than a typical Shop-Vac, delivering up to 250 inches of water lift, no matter if you are cleaning from above or on the ground level.
Our vacuums are electrically bonded and grounded, ensuring full static dissipation, and have no moving parts to wear out over time, backed by our lifetime warranty.
Overall, HafcoVac’s compressed air powered vacuums are made for maximum efficiency, using a minimum amount of air to produce the maximum amount of suction power. They are designed to be durable and come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. You can click here to configure our vacuum to your specifications and have it shipped to your door the same day. There’s no need to go through a middle man to get the vacuum your facility needs to be OSHA Housekeeping compliant.
- These heavy-duty vacuums are portable and can be used in various industrial spaces. They come with two drum sizes: the 30-gallon model is better for smaller jobs while the larger 55-gallon is for bigger cleanups.
- Our vacuums are NRTL tested and ATEX certified and comply with OSHA and NFPA guidelines.
Want to learn more about our air-powered vacuums? Let’s talk! Click here to contact us or give us a call at 1–877–820–0050.
occur and is referred to as the “Fire Triangle”. They are:
There are also two additional elements needed to cause a combustible dust explosion, often called the “Dust Explosion Pentagon”
HafcoVac explosion proof vacuum cleaners are safe for use as part of a combustible dust control program and are suitable for many flammable and combustible materials. With no motors to arc and no moving parts to create friction or spark, our non-electric explosion proof vacuums are a safe, reliable and cost-effective solution for your business.
