HIVAC is a division of The Maintenance Men, Inc that specializes in removing dust from overhead areas. We do not blow down or knock down dust. In fact, our process can be performed while most of our customers continue to produce.
Particulate debris produced by the manufacturing process can be harmful to people & equipment. This dust can accumulate on any flat surface in the area such as ceiling trusses, rafters, ducts, lighting, tops of equipment, etc. This dust, under the right circumstances, can become ignited causing an explosion.
The existence of these materials are a concern because they could lead to debris falling to the surface below and causing quality control problems, damaging expensive machinery, and posing a fire hazard. In fact on May 1, 2008 the United States House of Representatives passed the “Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosion and Fires Act” (H.R. 5522). As described by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) H.R. 522 “compels OSHA to issue rules regulating combustible industrial dusts, like sugar dust, that can build up to hazardous levels and explode. According to bill sponsors, the agency hasn’t acted swiftly enough to compel employers to keep their workplaces free of hazardous dust levels.” Since 1980, nearly 150 workers have been killed and more than 850 injured in combustible dust explosions.
Below is a video from CBS's 60 Minutes on the dangers of Combustible Dust. Also a few links that provide information on what OSHA says about the growing problem of Combustible Dust in the nations manufacturing industries.
