Filtration is big issue when it comes to cleaning up after taking on a home improvement task. After all the hard work you've put, the last thing you want to do is pick up concrete/dust/plaster and end up throwing it back out into the air supply of your home. Not only does this create an untidy mess, but it is also a health risk. Only an ultra efficient vacuum cleaner such as a Nilfisk GM80P is adaquet for this type of job. (see http://www.nilfix.co.uk)
Particle Sizes
Small particles in the air and on your floor, and on your machinery can be dangerous for a number of reasons. One micron is equal to one-millionth of a meter, or 1/26,000 of an inch. On average, the human eye cannot see particles that are smaller than 50 to 60 microns. Particles that are 10 microns or less are considered respirable and can settle deep into the lungs - often causing adverse health effects. Respirable particles make up greater than 99% of the 7 million particles in every breath you take.
Preparation
After carrying our your cleaning task, simply vacuum up all the dust. Be it cement dust or plaster board, make sure your filter is large so that if the particles get caught in the filter they do not restrict the airflow through the machine. (this can lead to a motor overheating)
Make sure you use a bagged machine, not only will you providing further levels of filtration but you will ensure a longer life to your machines motor. This is also hygenic when disposing of the waste you picked up. A bagless machine will simply throw this back up into the air when emptying, a bagged machine will NOT do this.
After disposing of the bag make sure to give the filter some attention. Simply remove the filter from the machine and lightly tap it over a bin to remove any particles that may be trapped.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE SHOULD NOT BE FOLLOWED FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS PRODUCTS
For more information on this and other cleaning tasks visit http://www.nilfix.co.uk.
Sam Downey
About the Author
Samuel Downey works for nilfix.co.uk, a supplier of Nilfisk Advance cleaning equipment