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MWidra

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Posted 09 January 2015 - 05:07 PM

Our production building is about 35 feet tall, almost totally open.  We get spider webs on walls (mostly one wall in particular) during the summer, but the only way to get them down is with compressed air.  For that, we have to totally shut down production and cover everything, then re-sanitize all the machinery.  It has to be done using a personnel lift as well.  As you can imagine, this is not performed often enough, it is very disruptive.

 

It also cannot be performed in the warehouse because we always have product there.  So we need a better way.

 

It was recommended to us that we look into an industrial vacuum to remove the webs, which would also remove the spiders and interrupt the life cycle.  We also thought it could be used for the fine cleaning of the floors after sweeping.  Our process produces a lot of dust (cellulose fiber mill, it's like an extremely light snowfall all the time in there) and the associates are constantly sweeping, but that does not get it all.  Again, we need a better way.

 

We have looked into some options, and I found Nilfisk vacuums.  The rep was here, and the system looks good.  We are going to have a demo of it, but I was wondering if anyone has used their equipment before.  If so, would you recommend that others use it?

 

If you have another vendor that you have used, please reply and give a brief critique.  It's been hard finding any that have the height capabilities.  If something comes to mind that would fit our facility, please share it.  All comments are greatly appreciated.

 

We would not need an explosion-proof vacuum.  We would need something that could be moved around to use it in all areas of our large, open production building.

 

Thanks for your input,

Martha

 

P.S.  We are also working on limiting the access of the spiders to the building using mesh fast opening doors, but our facility is out in the country and baby spiders can get in through the tiniest of cracks or when doors are open for people to go in and out...


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Setanta

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Posted 09 January 2015 - 06:11 PM

I worked with industrial vacuums long ago and for the life of me, I can't remember the name. It was a behemoth, green, on 3 steel wheels. It did look similiar to the industrial vacs on the Nilfish site.  All I truly remember is the shock you could get if they weren't properly grounded...they generated a lot of static electricity.


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mgourley

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Posted 09 January 2015 - 07:59 PM

Setana, that was a Spencer. It was a "shockingly" bad vacuum.

 

I have used several different models of Nilfisk vacs. I would highly recommend them. Not terribly expensive (in the grand scheme) and I've never had a mechanical issue with one.

 

Marshall



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KTD

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Posted 16 January 2015 - 04:21 PM

Dear MWidra -

     Isolated instances of spiders is one thing, but a persistent problem may indicate that they are coming in/returning/staying because of a readily available food source. Might have your PCO take the lift up to see if he/she can identify the food source so it can be addressed.

    

     I have not used Nilfisk vacuums, but they were one of the best when I did an evaluation several years ago. Cleanability of the unit will be paramount to avoid creating a miniature condo in the vacuum system...

 

KTD



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MWidra

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Posted 16 January 2015 - 04:38 PM

Dear MWidra -

     Isolated instances of spiders is one thing, but a persistent problem may indicate that they are coming in/returning/staying because of a readily available food source. Might have your PCO take the lift up to see if he/she can identify the food source so it can be addressed.

    

     I have not used Nilfisk vacuums, but they were one of the best when I did an evaluation several years ago. Cleanability of the unit will be paramount to avoid creating a miniature condo in the vacuum system...

 

KTD

Thanks, KTD.  The food source would have to be gnats and flies.  Our facility is located in a rural area, so we have a reasonable amount of them.  We do have attractant lights with glue boards, but you can't catch them all.  We are also working on a fast open mesh door for the overhead door so we have a better control of what comes in.  Thankfully, our product is pure cellulose, and nothing except termites would consider it a food source, so the product is not a food source even for the spider food source. 

 

"miniature condo in the vacuum system..."  Wonderful image, loved it,  We are looking to get a portable machine and not a central system, so we should not have anyone set up a permanent residence.  :smile:

 

Martha


"...everything can be taken from a man but one thing:  the last of the human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."  Viktor E. Frankl

 

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Setanta

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Posted 16 January 2015 - 04:47 PM

Setana, that was a Spencer. It was a "shockingly" bad vacuum.

 

I have used several different models of Nilfisk vacs. I would highly recommend them. Not terribly expensive (in the grand scheme) and I've never had a mechanical issue with one.

 

Marshall

 

LOL "Shockingly bad" Yes, that was it, Marshall!  Giant, clunky ole thing! 


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