Plastic Dust Collection
Controlling Plastic Dust Hazards in an Industrial Environment
Whether your facility produces straws and lids for the fast food industry, product packaging for food and retail or medical products that save lives, safety is a universal priority. Uncontrolled plastic particulate matter can put your workplace at risk of fire or explosion. Improperly ventilated chemical fumes may pose risks to employee health. IVI helps you manage these risks with custom plastic dust collection systems built to address your facility’s needs.
What are the major risks in production of plastics and film?
Three major risks exist related to dust in the manufacturing of plastics and film:
Risk #1: Plastic Dust Combustion
Many processes of shaping and trimming plastic produce plastic dust, which can pose a significant fire and explosion hazard. Uncontrolled plastic particulates can generate unstable gas, putting your manufacturing operation at risk. Dust collection systems specifically designed to address plastic exposure can provide important protection for your employees.
Risk #2: Toxic Dust
Employees working in plastic manufacturing environments with unchecked dust are at risk of inhaling toxic chemicals. Plastic dust can contain plasticizers, stabilizers, flame retardants and more, and ingestion can lead to short- and long-term health effects. The installation of a well-designed and engineered plastic dust collection system can help mitigate these risks to employees.
Risk #3: Respiratory Issues
Plastic manufacturing produces fine plastic irritants that can cause abrasions or blockages when inhaled. A custom design for facility ventilation can filter irritating plastic particulate matter from the air, helping make employees more comfortable.
How can my plastics and film manufacturing facility remain compliant?
Because the production of plastics and film can be hazardous, manufacturers often need to meet compliance standards set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).
To help your facility remain in compliance, IVI’s engineering team can work with you to design a system tailored to address potential risk areas.3
IVI: Custom Ventilation Solutions for Film and Plastics Manufacturing
Because IVI industrial ventilation systems are custom designed, engineered, fabricated and installed, you get a solution created with your facility’s needs in mind. That’s different than off-the-shelf industrial ventilation systems other companies install. Likewise, IVI stands behind its work, helping commission the system and train your team on proper operation and maintenance.
How does IVI help mitigate risks associated with plastic dust?
Step 1: Dust hazard analysis (DHA)
All systems that release particulate matter in the film and plastics industry require a dust hazard analysis, or DHA, to evaluate flammability. IVI’s engineering team can provide referrals for dust hazard analysis consultant who specialize in plastic manufacturing. Once a consultant is hired, IVI can help coordinate a joint meeting to discuss the dust hazard analysis while also working with your team to conduct an air quality survey. This analysis helps assess risks and provide a baseline for future improvements.
Step 2: Dust collection system planning
When the dust hazard analysis (sometimes called a combustible dust analysis) is complete, the IVI team will work with the consultant and your facility to design a film or plastic dust collection system. With your needs as a guide, IVI will identify dust collection, building ventilation, make-up air or other systems features required to become a cleaner, safer working environment. IVI will provide a quote on a turn-key solution with a clear scope, timeline and deliverables.
Step 3: Dust collector manufacturing and installation
While some companies might separate the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of their industrial ventilation system projects, IVI carries the expertise to provide all of these services. This supports seamless communication, shortens timelines, and reduces rework. When you need to keep production lines up and running, IVI helps you succeed.
Step 4: Plastic dust collection system maintained by IVI
Without regular maintenance, dust connection systems can easily become clogged. This can lead to serious issues, including an ineffective or damaged system. It also can put the safety of your facility at risk. The IVI team can help you avoid these challenges by scheduling regular maintenance appointments with a dust collection system engineer to ensure your system is functioning optimally.
Choose an industrial ventilation company that knows plastics manufacturing
Customers choose IVI for plastic dust collection systems because we apply our experience to each application. Our cross-industry knowledge, paired with our turn-key solutions help you protect your employees and your facility.