assist in the predicted recruitment gap. It is important that manufacturers stay as close to the market as possible in these changing times.
Industrial vacuums
The industrial vacuum sector is more complicated and really calls for specialist advice. This is an area where Nilfisk excel with our Industrial Vacuum Specialists, there is simply no substitute for experienced, technical knowledge specific to an individual application.
The full industrial vacuum range includes wet and dry, single phase and three phase, classified into health and safety, explosion-proof, and food and pharma vacuums (white line). Everything from mobile units to centralised vacuum systems, whether its eliminating dust in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment or collecting oil and swarf elsewhere, the process starts off the same way. A detailed site survey is essential for us to understand the needs and consider the risk assessments specific to the area.
Identifying if a combustible substance is present together with oxygen and an ignition source is critical. Dust particle size is particularly relevant as smaller particles disperse easier in the air and increase risk significantly.
Combustible dusts include cereals, flour, starch, sugar, animal feed, light metals, coal, plastics and textiles. Combustible gases include propane, ethylene and hydrogen, in addition to gases created by the evaporation of organic solvents such as alcohol, hydrocarbons and lubricating oils.
The list is extensive and if standard vacuum cleaners are used around these materials, they may provide an effective
ignition source to fuel an
explosion.ATEX certified industrial vacuum cleaners eliminate the ignition trigger, making vacuum cleaning operations safe in production areas.
Areas where there is a risk of explosion are divided into Zones based on the frequency and duration of the presence of explosive atmospheres. The responsibility for classifying the work area where a vacuum cleaner will be used lies with the facility, so it is critical to seek informed advice. Once a Zone is decided it is the machine manufacturer who is responsible for supplying and labelling the correct machine to meet the requirement.
Automation and the future
Autonomous cleaning equipment can effectively become ‘extra members of the cleaning crew’ and are perfect for repetitive cleaning tasks. This is undoubtedly the future and will allow resources to be re-distributed so operatives can address higher level cleaning tasks that may be more public facing.
The perception of a clean facility is known to improve if visibility of cleaning tasks is increased, and autonomous equipment will deliver that benefit whilst improving quality and reducing stress on the cleaning team.
Competition levels between manufacturers will remain high but the winners are likely to be those that continue to push the boundaries, really researching changing needs and investing in development. The future, as always, is closer than we think.
www.nilfisk.co.uk
“Competition levels between
manufacturers will
remain high but the winners are likely to be those that
continue to push the boundaries.”
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
VACUUMS & SWEEPERS | 33
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