In today’s episode of the Dust Safety Science podcast, Mark Ramos, Business Development Manager with Nilfisk, goes over how to choose which vacuum to use for your application.
Recently, we’ve been receiving an increasing number of inquiries from Dust Safety Professionals and through our Help Desk system about choosing the right vacuum. This prompted us to invite Mark to our podcast. We previously had Roger Guerrero as a guest in Episode #207, where he discussed the certification of portable vacuum systems for handling combustible dust. Today’s episode serves as a follow-up to that discussion, where we’ll delve deeper into certifications and other related topics.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore various topics like what type of site you have, the material you are dealing with, and the different vacuum system options available for industrial use. We will discuss what factors to consider when purchasing these systems. Additionally, we’ll cover site assessment, including what it involves and the process of having an expert evaluate which vacuum system is best suited for your needs.
What Should Someone Be Looking At When Buying Industrial Vacuums?
Mark noted that operator exposure to hazardous materials is increasingly under scrutiny. He also discussed the power options for vacuums, questioning whether they should run on electricity, compressed air, or lithium-ion batteries, especially in areas lacking electrical outlets and compressed air for cleanup.
Furthermore, Mark addressed budget considerations for vacuum projects. He has extensive experience with customers who have strict needs but insufficient budgets to meet them. He emphasized his commitment to honesty, mentioning that he has occasionally turned down customers rather than disappointing them by providing a product that fails to meet their requirements.
How Do You Assess Your Options?
Mark explained that in the U.S., certain environments are classified as explosive and require vacuums certified as explosion-proof to safely clean up materials. In less severe conditions, such as areas with dust, a vacuum with a Class II Division II certification may be sufficient. To pick up combustible dust in non-rated areas, he recommended a product designed specifically for such tasks.
Recently, Nilfisk has introduced products labeled under the ACD (Appliance for Combustible Dust) terminology, which are certified by an NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory). For example, in the United States, Nilfisk vacuums typically carry a CSA certification, which is recognized across North America, as opposed to European standards covered by ATEX certifications. Since Nilfisk is a global company, they need to consider various regional certification requirements.
Mark highlighted that while they cannot dictate the specific equipment a customer should use, they can match the customer’s requirements with the appropriate certified products that Nilfisk offers for use in those specific environments.
What’s the Difference Between an ATEX Certified Vacuum and ACD Certified Vacuum?
Mark explained that ATEX certification is primarily a European standard, but it doesn’t align perfectly with U.S. standards, which use classes and groups to define hazardous areas. Equipment with ATEX certification often arrives in the U.S. as part of systems manufactured in Europe, but it isn’t entirely compatible with U.S. requirements.
Recently, the focus has shifted to Appliance for Combustible Dust (ACD) machines. These newer machines are designed to handle situations like those in a food manufacturing facility, where ingredients in dry, powdered form might spill due to packaging damage. Although these areas are not classified as hazardous (meaning no potential ignition sources are present), the ACD machines are equipped with safety features like grounding and bonding to safely collect spilled materials.
The development and use of ACD units, even in non-rated areas of production facilities, reflect a growing international demand for safer, cost-effective solutions for handling combustible dust. This shift towards ACD machines was highlighted in recent discussions at a Global Product Council meeting, indicating a broader trend towards enhancing safety across different industries.
How Does Someone Choose The Right Vacuum Type?
Mark has been doing site assessments across the United States and Canada for many years. By visiting facilities personally, he and his team can gain a comprehensive view of the situation, beyond what a client might describe over the phone. This hands-on approach allows them to become a more trusted advisor and notice potential issues and factors that clients might overlook.
During these visits, Mark trains new Nilfisk employees to observe beyond the obvious. He pointed out that while most people focus on ground level, he often looks higher to spots like beams and pipes where dust can accumulate unnoticed. These observations help identify areas where dust generation could be minimized through modifications to existing equipment or new practices.
Ultimately, the goal of these assessments is to provide tailored solutions to help clients address their specific challenges. However, Mark stressed that regardless of the solutions suggested, the final approval must come from the appropriate authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), such as a corporate health and safety officer, the plant manager, or the client’s insurance provider.
Mark acknowledged that some clients may not have the time for in-person site assessments. In such cases, he and his team adapt by gathering necessary information through asking questions remotely. This approach still allows them to understand the client’s needs and challenges. Gathering detailed information is essential to pinpoint the most suitable product options for the specific requirements of each client.
Conclusion
Mark’s approach at Nilfisk emphasizes the importance of understanding each client’s specific needs and circumstances, whether through in-person site assessments or remote inquiries. By carefully evaluating the environment and budget constraints, Mark and his team can tailor their extensive range of vacuum products to find the most effective and safe solutions for their clients. This process ensures that even when clients are pressed for time or face budget limitations, they still receive the best possible support to meet their industrial cleaning and safety requirements.
If you would like to discuss further, leave your thoughts in the comments section below. You can also reach Mark Ramos directly:
Website: https://www.nilfisk.com/en-us/industries-new/combustible-dust/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ramos-11560113/
Email: [email protected]
If you have questions about the contents of this or any other podcast episode, you can go to our ‘Questions from the Community’ page and submit a text message or video recording. We will then bring someone on to answer these questions in a future episode.
Resources mentioned
The resources mentioned in this episode are listed below.
Dust Safety Science
Combustible Dust Incident Database
Dust Safety Science Podcast
Questions from the Community
Companies
Nilfisk
Previous Episodes
DSS207: Certification of Portable Vacuum Systems for Use with Combustible Dust with Roger Guerra
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DSS266: How to Choose Which Vacuum To Use For Your Application with Mark Ramos
