No matter how many new home gadgets and tools come to market, there are few that are as useful as the good-old shop vac. There’s no reason why every business shouldn’t have at least one shop vac on hand as well. They are inexpensive, and once one is available for use, those who use it will find that they are indispensable.
A recent article on Do It Yourself.com highlights just a few very good reasons for having a shop vac, such as
- Versatility-they can be used for wet and dry applications anywhere
- Power-eve small units are very powerful
- Movement-they are very portable and light
- Sizes-they come in all sizes for ease of storage and applicable jobs
- Disposal of liquids-they can suck up liquid spills and hold them enroot to a proper receptacle.
A shop vac has many specific uses in manufacturing and in material handling operations
It can be very advantageous to have a few shop vacs and designate them for specific applications. For manufacturers who use machines with heat lamps, say for blow mold applications, broken lamps are a constant headache. An effective means to remove broken glass is essential, and a powerful shop vac is the perfect choice.
Shop vac hose extensions and special suction nozzles are readily available. This makes it easy to remove broken glass and contain it until it can be deposited into proper glass receptacles. Small shop vacs can be easily stored in cabinets near their places of intended use so they can stay clean and sanitary in order to protect the integrity of products being produced in the areas the shop vac is used and also to ensure compliance in audits.
Have designated shop vacs as part of specific clean-up kits
Broken glass or plastic is just one of many purposes for having a shop vac on hand at a specific work station or material handling area. A larger shop vac that has capacity for several gallons of liquid can be used for removing certain hazardous material spills.
Of course, you’ll want to check the material safety data sheets (MSDS) first-it is best to be well-versed on the specifics of any materials in use to be sure that no new danger is created through the air exit vent of the shop vac.
A shop vac can be kept I a central location designated for specific clean-up procedures that are documented in your facility’s emergency response plans and emergency management manuals. Be sure the shop vac is clearly labeled as such and stored properly in a marked area. This insures regulatory compliance and also insures you can teach your employees what to look for in order to execute proper emergency response and clean-up should a situation occur that requires it.
Central storage also makes it easy for your in-house auditors to verify the location and inventory of all equipment. Since shop vacs are easily transportable, central storage won’t hinder the effectiveness of your programs.