Silica is one of the most common minerals found globally. Unfortunately, when it shows up in construction sites as an ingredient in sand, rock, concrete, mortar, and stone, it can also quickly become one of the most dangerous health concerns.
When workers cut, grind, saw, or crush these materials, it generates very fine crystalline silica powder which wreaks havoc on the lungs if inhaled. Silica exposure can then lead to chronic and serious illnesses, like:
- Lung cancer,
- Silicosis (an often fatal, incurable lung disease),
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and
- Kidney disease.
OSHA Standards for Silica Dust Protection
Back in 2017, OSHA set a new, stricter standard for crystalline silica dust that cuts in half the previous limit. According to the standard,
“the employer shall fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection specified”
The penalty for not engaging proper protection also got a lot steeper: as of January 2020, a single violation costs over $13,493, with rapidly escalating fines for repeat offenses up to $134,937 per violation.
In other words, silica vacuums and other respiratory protection tools are not only important for worker health, but also to stay compliant and avoid a critical financial hit.
Pro Tool and Supply carries a number of top brands of OSHA-compliant silica vacuums
Per OSHA standards, if you’re using a dry system to capture dust from floor grinders, the vacuum requires a shroud firmly affixed to the bottom of the grinder to corral the dust, a vacuum powerful enough to suck up the dust, and a filter with 99 percent or greater efficiency and a cleaning cycle.
Pro Tool and Supply carries a range of top OSHA-compliant vacuums and silica dust removal systems to help you comply with the latest regulations.
We are also happy to speak with you directly to help identify the best solution for your needs.
Some of the top brands we carry include:
Dewalt
We carry two Dewalt model dust extractors, including the dwv012 model 10 Gallon extractor and the dwv010 model 8 Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor with Automatic Filter Cleaning.
Both models offer variable suction to control the vacuum’s power consumption and work in wet and dry applications.
This dust extractor is equipped with automatic filter cleaning functionality that pulses every 30 seconds for continuous operation without you having to stop to clean out the filter.
They also come with two HEPA filters and kink-resistant hose. The larger model offers 140 CFM of airflow for maximum suction, while the smaller model is lighter weight and offers 130 CFM.
Both have heavy-duty construction and a 360-degree swivel.
Bosch
Bosch air extractors offer convenient cartridge design to make filter installation extremely easy. We carry two model sizes, the vac013 and vac019. Both include a universal dust collection attachment and on-board filter cleaning, with a maximum of 150 CFM suction and 97 inches of static water lift. The on-board filter activates every 15 sections.
The included fleece filter bag helps to protect the filter and provides the optimal containment of dry dust and debris. The system is universal and is designed to connect to a vacuum so that it can be used with any size hammer and can accommodate the full range of drill bit diameters and drilling depth.
Wap Attix
The Attix 50 wet/dry vacuum cleaner (model 50 (900131h) is the latest compact generation of the Attix line (formerly called WAP).
These silica vacuums are favored by contractors for general clean-up, “at-the-source” dust control during sanding/drilling operations, offering 135 CFM and 92 inches of water lift, a quieter motor with a lower noise rating than other models, and a 12-gallon tank capacity. The Attix also includes a more ergonomic design and convenience features such as a built-in tool storage area on the cover.
Dustless
Pro Tool carries the Dustless Technologies (1606) Wet Dry HEPA 16gallon vacuum, which includes a Micro Pre-filter that extends the life of the filter and makes this vacuum more cost-efficient to use over time. The pre-filter captures particles down to 0.5 micron, before they hit the HEPA 0.3-micron filter, which therefore lasts up to 30 times longer.
The Dustless model also enables switching between wet and dry operation without stopping to change filters or make other adjustments. This vacuum emits only 81 dB of noise, and offers 126 CFM and 76.9 inches of water lift. A 16 Gal. Canister and Micro Pre-filter bag support optimum air flow while holding up to 40 lbs. of dirt and debris.
Husqvarna
Pro Tool also carries multiple models of dustless system vacuums from Husqvarna, including:
- DC1400
A small and lightweight wet/dry silica vacuum, the DC1400 is perfect for dust control. It’s designed for use with the PG280 Grinder, but can also be used with hand grinders.
- DC3300
The DC3300 is a single-phase dust extraction unit designed to accompany the Husqvarna PG 530 Grinder.
- DC5500
The DC5500 is a more heavy-duty choice that’s ideal for use with any planetary grinder that needs a vacuum with high suction and flow to eliminate airborne dust. The high CFM and large capacity enable it to handle all grinding and polishing applications.
Pro Tool’s Quality Silica Dust Vacuums Get the Job Done Safely
Finding the right OSHA compliant vacuum is essential both for the safety and health of your workers and for the sake of meeting stringent OSHA compliance standards.
Pro Tool offers the highest quality vacuums to get the job done safely and efficiently.
Still not sure which silica dust vacuum is right for you? Call The Pro Group at 1-888-776-0007 to speak with a representative who can help you find the right model for your needs, or request a quote here.
