HEPA Vacuum Systems for Power Tools

HEPA Overview

• A standard household vacuum sucks up many different types up particles, but many of the smaller particles simply escape through the vacuum's exhaust air. On a HEPA vacuum, a special high-performance filter captures many particles that would escape with the exhaust air. A HEPA vacuum filter is at least 99.97 percent efficient at capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. On a standard vacuum, particles as large as 50 microns simply pass through the filter and back into the air, according to the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board. To understand why HEPA filtration is important, consider lead paint particles. Many of these particles, which range from 2 to 3 microns, are trapped by HEPA filters, but pass right through a regular vacuum and into the air.

HEPA Power Tool Systems

• HEPA systems for power tools consist of a HEPA vacuum, a series of hoses and adapters, and tool attachments or shields for each power tool. Manufacturers create special shrouds or shields designed to fit around a saw, grinder or other tool and contain dust as it's generated. An adapter connects the shroud to the vacuum hose, which fastens to the HEPA vacuum. All dust generated by the power tool passes immediately into the HEPA vacuum, where it's trapped in the HEPA filter. Some specialty HEPA vacuums come with special tool outlets. When you plug your power tools into these outlets, the tools and vacuum work as one. For example, the vacuum comes on when you hit the trigger on the tool, then switches off automatically when you turn off the tool.

Benefits

• Remodeling and construction projects generate a tremendous amount of dust, which can irritate the lungs and contribute to respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Dust from lead paint, silica from concrete, asbestos and radiological materials can all pose health threats. A 2002 study published in the American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal found that HEPA vacuum-assisted sanding reduced exposure to paint dust by 80 to 90 percent. In addition to protecting the health of workers and other individuals, HEPA vacuum systems for power tools also ensure a clean, neat job site, which can help to reduce time and money spent on cleanup.

Drawbacks

• Collecting dust generated by a power tool requires a special shroud or attachment to direct dust into the HEPA vacuum hose. This means that contractors must maintain an inventory of shrouds or attachments for each tool, which can increase costs and take up valuable storage space in a work van, toolbox or garage. These attachments can limit access to certain work spaces by making it more difficult to fit tools into tight areas. Finally, contractors who wish to collect dust in this manner must transport a HEPA vacuum around the job site as they move from one location to another.