Metal shop work is difficult enough without your equipment and excess matter getting in the way of your safety. Welding, cutting and brazing are important but dangerous career fields with a unique combination of safety risks that put over 500,000 workers in danger every day. Aluminum dust collection needs to be regular occurrence for a safe work environment and down draft tables are an increasingly popular multi-purpose solution — not only are they good for sanding and grinding, they suck out metallic dust and reduce risk of illness and breathing issues in the workplace. Keep reading to learn important facts about health risks in the U.S. as well as solutions to keep your work environment clean and safe!
Modern Health Facts
More than 14,000 workers have died from silicosis in the U.S. since 1968 and over one million workers today are at risk. While many die from acute silicosis, some develop long-term disabilities and are unable to work. Granite alone can contain up to 70% silica and when acute silicosis can occur anywhere from weeks to months after exposure, it can often go unnoticed and untreated for too long. It’s important to take preemptive measures to make sure your workplace is properly regulated and well-ventilated. While windows and fans can help clear the air, they don’t always distribute excess dust and fumes properly. Speaking of which…
How To Create A Safer Workplace
A downdraft table has built-in ventilation that makes reducing dust and fumes, if you’ll pardon the pun, a breeze — you can focus on your work without worrying about health issues or endangering yourself, your employees or your co-workers. With low-vacuum ventilation systems, air flow should have a velocity of 100 linear feet per minute at a remote distance from where you and/or your workers are welding. While preventative measures can reduce most of the risk, accidents can happen and must be reported to OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) within thirty days of the occurrence regardless of whether or not your industry is exempt. Take a look at downdraft tables and dust collection systems next time you’re looking to improve your workflow and reduce aluminum dust collection, as they create both a more productive and safer work environment for everybody.
