Dust collectors perform the necessary and messy task of ensuring the air in your facility is clear and clean. It works tirelessly to remove harmful materials like dust, sawdust, dirt, gases, chemicals, and more from the air you and your employees breathe and that permeates your machinery. Clean air means good health, greater efficiency and productivity, and a reduction in the need to repair and replace equipment infiltrated by damaging particles.
You can find dust collectors in most light to heavy industry facilities dealing with everything from food processing, drug and chemical manufacturing, carpentry, rock and cement processing and production, metalwork, mining, and more. Dust collectors are vital to a wide variety of fields. If you require a dust collector for your own factory, mill, laboratory, or other place, purchasing a dust collector or two is a wise choice. But if you have yet to purchase one, you may wonder about the proper course of action to follow when purchasing one and who to deal with. To help you get started and to find the right supplier for the job, here are the things to look for in a dust collector supplier.
They Know What They’re Talking About
When you first contact the dust collector supplier (odds are they’ve already tried to contact you to pitch their products), set up a phone or conference call where you can express your needs and requirements, then leave it to them to explain how their equipment can serve your facility’s needs. Listen carefully to ensure they clearly understand the business you’re in. It may be immediately obvious that they don’t have a clue how your facility works or the brand or specific model your facility needs installed. On the other hand, if they can clearly explain their product while showing a better than average knowledge about your company and industry, it may be worth continuing the conversation.
Before the meeting, draft a list of specific questions to ask. If they can think on their feet and answer them to your satisfaction without promises to “get back to you,” you’re likely dealing with a reputable and knowledgeable supplier.
Make Sure They Know What They’re Talking About
Your supplier should employ a professional engineer who can look at and test your facility to determine the best system for the job. They will be well-versed in all the ordinances, regulations, safety requirements, and other legalities involved in installing the dust collector. Beyond the simple task of deciding which dust collector to sell you (though when choosing a dust collector machine, make sure they know whether you need a wet or dry scrubber), your supplier will determine if your electrical system can provide enough power while not using too much of it, what sort of ductwork needs to be installed, location of the collector as well as where the “bad” air can be redirected, as well as the type of filter you’ll need. There’s a big difference between filtering out sawdust and noxious gases, obviously, and your supplier better know that.
Ensure They Get Everything Down in Writing
Your facility floats on paperwork, which isn’t a bad thing. To ensure the safety of your place of business and employees, you need assurance that the dust collector does what it’s supposed to do: filter out the bad stuff. More to the point, you need reassurance and physical proof that it performs at optimal levels. Have them present proof that your dust collector provides a high degree of efficiency in its filtration, and insist on a guarantee (again, in writing) that the collector meets with OSHA and the EPA’s standards on emissions. If worse comes to worse, you want evidence that shows you acted in good faith and bought the right materials and equipment for the facility. Warranties will also save you a lot of worry and hassle as well, though, one hopes, the equipment will last far beyond the one or two years promised.
Communication, Communication, Communication
When the supplier makes a good case for their product, promises swift and efficient installation and service, backs it all up with warranties and guarantees, and even comes up with numerous positive reviews and references from satisfied customers, make sure that when the job is done, they won’t just up and vanish. A reputable and responsible supplier will connect you with your very own account manager who can be reached day or night—which can come in handy in the case of an after-hours emergency.
Customer service is key and having a direct line will prevent problems and bad blood brought on by an equipment failure. Look for a supplier who also provides repair and replacement services presented by skilled professionals and can promise same-day part delivery in case the dust collector decides to break down. Good businesses build good communication and won’t leave you hanging. Look for a supplier who doesn’t just give you a good feeling but also has a reputation for staying in touch.
Are They Certified?
Dust collector suppliers can be trusted more if they’re MSHA-certified contractors. MSHA stands for Mine Safety and Health Administration, and certification reflects that the supplier has a good grasp of safety and hazards, equipment requirements, and more. They should also have NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) certification showing that they understand the standards required by dust collectors to avoid the possibility of fire or explosion, how to avoid either happening, and what equipment to use for protection and to abate either possibility.
Ask Around
When considering things to look for in a dust collector supplier, find out what others think about them, their equipment, and their service. More than likely you’ve built contacts throughout your industry and field. When looking for a dust collector supplier, look around or, better yet, ask around. Even better, ask them to provide a list of clients and either call them or see if you can arrange a visit to their facilities to inspect the systems firsthand and hear them describe their level of satisfaction with the supplier (if any). You might learn more from a single call with one client than you will from several conference calls with multiple suppliers.
