The Role of HEPA Filters in Floor Care Equipment

Your complete guide to understanding HEPA filtration in commercial floor care equipment

It’s safe to say that COVID-19 brought indoor air quality to the top of every facility manager’s priority list. As facilities have looked at ways to make their cleaning and disinfecting protocol more stringent to prevent infection and keep the public safe, air quality has emerged as a key element in facility safety plans.

HEPA filtration has long been considered the gold standard for air purification by those focused on indoor air quality. The cleaning industry has been onto the efficiency of HEPA filters in cleaning the air for years, using these filters in floor care equipment and HVAC systems across educational, industrial, healthcare and commercial buildings.

As more and more facilities prioritise indoor air quality, it’s a good time to revisit the critical role that HEPA filters play in keeping indoor air clean.

What is a HEPA Filter?

HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air.” HEPA filters are pleated mechanical air filters that have the ability to remove 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and other airborne particles that are 0.3 microns. HEPA filters are used equipment that relies on filtration, including HVAC systems, vacuums, floor sweepers and more.

In Australia, HEPA filters are widely used in various settings, including hospitals, laboratories, and homes, to improve indoor air quality and reduce the spread of airborne contaminants. The Australian government and health organisations, such as the National Asthma Council Australia, endorse the use of HEPA filters for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.

These filters are particularly beneficial in construction and mining sites, as they can effectively capture fine particulate matter from Silica Dust, thereby protecting employee's from harmful pollutants. Additionally, HEPA filters are integrated into vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and HVAC systems across the country to enhance air cleanliness and promote healthier living spaces.

How HEPA Filters Function in Floor Care Equipment

HEPA filters are used in select vacuum cleaners and floor sweepers because of the importance of strong air filtration in the mechanics of floor care equipment. Not all vacuums or floor sweepers come with HEPA filters. Because HEPA filters are able to filter and then trap airborne pollutants with such efficiency, many facilities require their use.

Vacuums

Vacuums generate suction that pulls particles through the vacuum using a brush that loosens them. The air then goes into a collection chamber, and is recirculated back into the room. This is why filtration systems in vacuum cleaners are so important. Without the proper filtration system, vacuums may simply loosen particles and further disperse them in a room. Using floor care equipment with a HEPA filter ensures that even the tiniest particles are filtered out of the air inside a room.

We know how efficiently HEPA filters trap dangerous particles in the air. In fact, studies show that HEPA filtration helps reduce?asthma,?allergies?and even the?flu and other infections. By incorporating HEPA filtration technology, Tennant vacuums not only clean surfaces effectively but also contribute to maintaining healthier indoor air quality, making them a preferred choice in commercial cleaning settings across Australia.

Floor sweepers

Floor sweepers with HEPA filters are an important requirement for limiting exposure to silica dust, as now regulated by Work, Health and Safety (WHS) Australia. Respirable?silica dust?is created by cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling or crushing silica producing materials. Exposure to silica dust can cause disease, according to a recent Australian study its estimated that 10,390 lung cancer cases will be a result of the 103,000 silicosis cases reported.

WHS indicates that a comprehensive silica dust exposure control plan should be customised to the unique environment and needs of each organisation, including a range of dust control measures. WHS penalties for non-compliance are severe, and exposure to silica dust is dangerous for cleaning and other workers on site. HEPA filters become a simple, cost-effective way to create healthier workplaces.

Maintenance of HEPA Filters

Indoor air quality may begin with the selection of floor care equipment with HEPA filters. However, proper maintenance of these machines will ensure that indoor air quality remains healthy for years to come. All air cleaners require periodic cleaning and filter replacement to function properly.?

Follow manufacturer's recommendations on maintenance and replacement. Some HEPA filters are washable, while others must be replaced. It is never a good idea to wash a HEPA filter unless it is specifically labeled as washable. Washing a filter that is not intended to be washed could render the filter less effective. A general rule of thumb is to replace HEPA filters every six months, but defer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for all filter maintenance rules.