In the early years of the industrial revolution workers had few rights, especially when it came to the air they were forced to breathe. Many suffered from workplace-related lung diseases exacerbated by constant exposure to small wood or metal particles and other harmful airborne pollutants. Today, dust extraction equipment is designed to keep the air clean from toxic gases and harmful particles, creating a sustainable workplace both for the surrounding environment, and for the workers themselves.

Industrial collecting equipment is intended to clean the workplace of heavy airborne particles as they are produced. Woodworkers, for example, are routinely exposed to fine airborne cellulose particles. While this may not seem harmful at the outset, over a period of time it can be deadly. Most of the particles that get inhaled are swallowed, but a small percentage lodges in the lungs.

For those craftsmen it is that small amount of irritation that causes breathing problems. Workers who also smoke are particularly vulnerable. In addition, the fine coating that often remains on the skin can sometimes result in dermatitis or other skin inflammations. When simple face masks or frequent hand-washing are not enough protection, it may be necessary to install an extractor to clean the air, even if the business is considered small.

These extractors come in a wide range of designs, but they all have the same basic function. Smaller manufacturing businesses may choose an installation that uses a large fan to inhale the dirty air, capturing it in high-volume bags designed to properly contain pollutants. Some of these machines can actually separate the large particles from the smaller bits of pollution. Similar to a vacuum cleaner in concept, the bags need to be emptied periodically.

Larger industrial concerns not only need specialized extractors, but may also need to install local exhaust ventilation. In many locales, these ventilation systems must be installed long before it becomes necessary to make use of respirators. A local exhaust ventilation system captures air pollutants at their source, and is a necessity when the manufacturing process is creating not only minute particles, but exhaust fumes, and toxic or corrosive pollution such as vapors from solvents or acid mists.

This type of air scrubber is the recognized industrial choice for airborne chemicals that may be highly toxic. It is capable not only of handling particles, but also deadly metal fumes that can cause cancer when inhaled over a period of time. These systems generally are designed to clean relatively small amounts of air when in operation. They are relatively expensive, and require regular maintenance, cleaning and inspection.

Other types of exhaust ventilation systems include dilution ventilation, which may treat the air in an entire building by a constant flow of fresh clean air, while the dirty air is expelled from the work area. Indoor air quality ventilation, on the other hand, is simply a good, steady supply of fresh, climate-controlled air that has a constant flow throughout a building.

Industrial operators in most locales are required to provide strict environmental protection for workers whenever chemicals, dust, vapors or fumes exceed the recognized exposure limits, or when oxygen drops below a level around 19.5%. While the installation and maintenance of dust extraction equipment or an exhaust ventilation system may be an extra expense for an employer, the health benefits for employees are incalculable.

Author Bio: Local Dust extraction systems and Welding fume extractor are a perfect solution as employee exposure to contaminants are minimized.

Category: Home Management
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