Page 34 - Occupational Health & Safety, May 2017

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE/WELDING
compressed air directed through the filter. Typically these filters have a significant extended filter life because the cake on the out- side of the filter is removed.
Of course, fume extraction filters—like any replacement parts—add certain costs to your operation. For as much as you might be tempted to cut costs, filter replacement isn’t a good place to do it. Not all replacement filters are alike, even if they are specifi- cally designed to fit your system. Opting for a generic replacement filter over an OEM filter may impact the performance of your fume collection system, especially over the long term. OEM or genuine filters are made by the manufacturer of the equipment and will fit, seal, and operate properly. Third-party filter replacements are simi- lar to the original filter but may not be made according to the same specifications and design criteria as the OEM. In addition, if the OEM makes design adjustments to the equipment, the third-party filter supplier could be making filters according to old standards. Generic replacement filters may be the less expensive option at the time of purchase, but they are likely to result in a waste of time, productivity, and money over the long term.
5. Why should you create a filter replacement and preventive maintenance strategy?
Preventive maintenance is planned maintenance activity de- signed to ensure consistent and effective operation, improve equip- ment life, and avoid system malfunction. The purpose of any fume control system is to help control worker exposure to welding fume.
If not maintained properly, the system may not adequately control that exposure.
Preventive maintenance ensures that the equipment is consis- tently efficient and effective and that long-term use does not sub- ject the equipment to stresses or potential failures caused by im- proper care or handling. For instance, if the filter is clogged, the fan motor must operate at a higher level to try to operate effectively. This can result in reduced fume capture efficiency, motor failures, or other associated issues.
A successful preventive maintenance strategy includes chang- ing the filter on a regular basis. In addition, equipment operation and cleaning should be scheduled and coordinated to ensure that ducting is clean, fume extraction arms are tuned properly, and more. Certain tasks must be scheduled at varying service intervals in order to keep the fume extraction equipment from experiencing any unexpected breakdowns. Preventive maintenance for industri- al equipment is an effective way to maintain and extend weld fume control equipment operation and life.
When establishing filter replacement2 and preventive mainte- nance strategy,3 keep the following suggestions in mind:
■ Know the regulations, requirements and restrictions that apply to the filter’s disposal. It may be necessary to have the mate- rial tested in order to understand if the waste material is regulated. Environmental regulations regarding waste disposal can vary, de- pending on federal and local requirements.
2017
Must attend event for anyone involved in the safety, health and environmental industry!
Unequaled training and education Unprecedented coverage of new products
and strategies
Unsurpassed opportunities to network and collaborate with peers and industry experts
Register today and save up to $300 at
congress.nsc.org/ohs1
Early Registration Deadline: June 23
Safety that Works
30 Occupational Health & Safety | MAY 2017 Untitled-4 1
www.ohsonline.com
Circle 15 on card.
4/6/17 11:14 AM
900010602 0517 ©2017 National Safety Council