Demand for products and goods goes up and to the right each year. That means more raw materials are being manufactured to meet growing demand. Downdraft tables are an essential tool every industrial shop needs when welding, sanding, grinding, deburring, spray painting, plasma cutting, and soldering.
You see, all of these manufacturing processes produce hazardous particles that may hurt the health and safety of industrial workers. Dust, oil, mist, and other dangerous contaminants have been documented to cause serious long-term injury to workers. In some cases, even death.
We’ll look at some of the hazards produced by various industrial operations and then take a closer look at how downdraft tables have become a breath of fresh air for smart companies doing their best to protect what matters most - their people.
Hazards of Dust, Oil Mist, and Particles on Worker Health
The industrial processes of welding, sanding, and grinding inadvertently create hazards, with dust topping the list of inhalable contaminants.
In the finishing stage, where grinding or sanding is involved, workers face exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). RCS, a component found in silica sand used in molds, poses serious health risks such as silicosis. Silicosis is a debilitating lung disease affecting oxygen uptake. Additionally, the dust can trigger respiratory problems like asthma. It has also been associated with an elevated risk of lung cancer after prolonged exposure.
In an important article by Bethany Stones, shared on Envirocare.org, various other hazardous materials are highlighted, including aluminum, lead, chlorine, cadmium, cobalt, and nickel. The use of a sand stabilizer introduces additional harmful substances like formaldehyde, phenol, acid fumes, and isopropyl alcohol.
Recognizing these risks, occupational hygiene solutions become paramount in environments where hazardous dust, mist, vapors, and fumes are created. The British Occupational Hygiene Society defines occupational hygiene:
“Occupational hygiene is the discipline of protecting worker health by controlling workplace hazards that can cause harm. It also helps in maintaining worker well-being and safeguarding the community at large.”
Furthermore, the article said that the problem particles, “may include chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, radiation, vibration and extreme temperatures.” Welding, for instance, exposes welders to fumes, dust, and oil mist that are hazardous. This is where the critical role of downdraft tables comes into play, providing a solution integral to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment in this and many other industrial processes.
Benefits of Downdraft Tables in Contaminant Removal
Downdraft tables play an important role in workplace safety. Downdraft tables offer many benefits in the removal of contaminants.
To start, these tables significantly contribute to worker safety by reducing health risks linked to the inhalation and skin exposure of hazardous particles. This not only safeguards the immediate well-being of employees but also fosters a healthier and more productive work environment.
Secondly, downdraft tables help industries maintain regulatory compliance with workplace air quality standards. Meeting these standards is essential not only for the health and safety of the workforce but also for adherence to legal requirements.
Beyond compliance, the positive impact on productivity becomes evident as downtime due to respiratory issues or safety concerns is minimized. In essence, downdraft tables are a strategic investment, aligning workplace practices with both regulatory guidelines and the optimization of operational efficiency.
How Downdraft Tables Safely Remove Hazardous Particles
Downdraft tables by Diversitech offer a safe and efficient solution for removing hazardous particles at the source.
The downward airflow, a key element in their functionality, is carefully designed to guide contaminants away from the workspace. This design ensures that particles generated during industrial processes are effectively captured and directed downwards. Our downdraft tables feature capture zones, creating localized areas that efficiently trap and contain contaminants, preventing their dispersion into the surrounding environment.
Advanced filtration systems are also important to the efficacy of downdraft tables. These filters are specifically engineered to trap and remove particles from the air. These filters serve as a crucial barrier, safeguarding the health of workers by ensuring that harmful substances are effectively eliminated. Diversitech’s stock of downdraft tables are also versatile. They come with adjustable settings, allowing users to customize airflow and filtration based on the specific requirements of different applications.
This flexibility ensures that the system can be tailored to the unique needs of diverse industrial processes, making downdraft tables adaptable and an indispensable asset in maintaining a clean and safe workplace.
Breath Clean Air with a Downdraft Table by Diversitech
To wrap it up, the hazards associated with oil, dust, oil mist, and particles make a clear point to industrial companies that safeguards must be put in place to protect the health of their workforce. Downdraft tables are a powerful tool for protecting worker health. But that’s not all.
Downdraft tables also keep tools, equipment, and the environment free from particles that deteriorate their proper functioning. Keeping industrial shops clear of hazardous dust and particles is just good for business in every respect.
Downdraft tables are effective at removing contaminants generated during industrial processes. These tables, with their innovative design and advanced filtration systems, play a crucial role in mitigating health risks associated with inhalation and skin exposure. As we highlight the vital importance of worker safety, the integration of downdraft tables into industrial settings stands out as a practical and efficient strategy everyone should use.
Industries are encouraged to prioritize employee health and safety by adopting these cutting-edge technologies and committing to effective air quality management. This proactive stance not only ensures regulatory compliance but also fosters a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of the workforce, contributing to sustained productivity and the overall success of the organization.
Shop Our Downdraft Tables
Since Diversitech custom designs downdraft tables to your specific needs, it's safe to say that we have the perfect solution for you.
The three broad categories of our downdraft table selection includes:
Downdraft Tables
You will find a vast selection of portable and stationary downdraft tables for use with various industrial applications such as welding, grinding, deburring and more. Discover our most popular products
Wet Downdraft Tables
The Monsoon™ Wet Downdraft Table Series delivers a safe and secure solution for the capture of hazardous combustible and flammable dusts. Shop our wet downdraft tables
Ducted Downdraft Tables
Diversitech's Ducted Downdraft Tables are a flexible and customizable workstation that can be connected to any central dust or fume collection system. Un-filtered downdraft tables can be custom fabricated based on your specific application requirements. Shop our selection of ducted downdraft tables