Insulation Removal Vacuum Safety: Equipment & Features
As Cool Machines innovates stronger, more powerful machines, they are deploying safety features that should be on every vacuum. Vacuums, of any size, have at least a 4″ barrel which sends objects through hoses at 100s of miles per hour. For example, we recently measured the velocity of an object coming out of a CoolVac23. It reached 215 miles per hour. An object coming through the CoolVac37 has a staggering speed of over 250 miles per hour… a football field’s length in one second!
If you have not seen this video, it is a MUST watch and you need to make sure everyone on your crew watches it. Cool Machines has accessories that are designed to lower the risk, but there is never a 100% safe situation.
Warning Labels: The Cool Machine CoolVacs have safety warning labels to inform and remind the user of potential dangers. The featured image at the top of this page is located on the output of every vacuum. The output of these vacuums are like sawed off shotguns and can fire debris with a very wide field. This label reminds the user NOT to stand directly behind the output. Also, when refilling the fuel tanks, it is critical that your vacuum is shut down and de-energized from static build up. A label is placed on the fuel tank.
Vacuum Saver: The vacuum saver is the first line of defense when it comes to safety when using a vacuum. This accessory should always be purchased and used with a vacuum. It separates debris (found in every attic) from the insulation being removed. This provides a good amount of safety when attached to your vacuum. It reduces the amount of debris reaching the vacuum.
Output Safety Deflector: The output safety deflector is the last line of defense. The vacuum saver does not stop everything. This deflector will stop the velocity of any object that bypasses the vacuum saver and hits the fan.
Limiter Switches: The vacuums have switches on the input and output of the vacuums. You cannot start the vacuum until these switches have been pushed closed by the hose and/or output safety deflector. The powerful suction can pull your hands into the input.
Input Flap: Because of the strong suction, and to minimize the risk of pulling your hand into the vacuum, an input flap covers the input. This is a spring-loaded flap that remains closed when there is no hose attached.
Layout of your Vacuum: After setting up your vacuum, make sure that you carefully inspect where the output of your vacuum is pointed. We were on a job site where a vacuum was pointed at a Masserati. They did not have an output safety deflector on that vacuum. It would have been a catastrophe! The picture below shows a good setup with the operator standing in front of the machine and the bags at an angle.