We recently installed a new Egmont Air bag-house dust extraction system to improve health and safety at the Otorohanga Menz Shed. This system works by efficiently removing shavings and fine airborne dust from woodworking machines and enhances air quality, ensuring a cleaner, safer workspace for all members. This case study explores the implementation and benefits of the Egmont Air system at the Menz Shed.
The Otorohanga Menz Shed, part of the broader Menz Shed Organisation, faced significant challenges related to dust and shaving accumulation from their woodworking activities. With a diverse group of retired builders, teachers, engineers, and other skilled individuals, the Menz Shed works on various projects, including furniture restoration, timber joinery, sculptures, and outdoor garden furniture for local community organisations. The accumulation of fine airborne dust and shavings posed health risks to members and negatively impacted the workshop environment.
About the Menz Shed
The Menz Shed Organisation is a registered charity providing a collaborative space for older men to come together, share their skills, and engage in meaningful projects. The Otorohanga Menz Shed is a vital community hub where members work on projects benefiting local pre-schools, libraries, councils, and businesses. These activities not only keep the members active but also foster a sense of purpose and community engagement.
Why Egmont Air was the Obvious Solution
At Egmont Air, we’re known for our innovative dust extraction systems, so we knew we could address the Menz Shed’s dust problem. We have a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions tailored to the timber industry with our expertise and comprehensive product range. This project was incredibly rewarding for us, as it allowed us to witness the valuable work the Menz Shed contributes to the community and to help them create a better and safer workspace.
Workshop Challenges To Overcome
Fine airborne dust from woodworking posed respiratory risks to members, affecting their health and safety. “Some of the chaps are having breathing problems with it (the dust)”, Darcy Lipton Chairmen of the Otorohanga Menz Shed said. Additionally, the accumulation of dust and shavings compromised the cleanliness and functionality of the workshop. Manual cleaning was time-consuming and inefficient, diverting time away from productive activities and reducing overall efficiency.
Benefits and Solutions
The installation of the Egmont Air bag-house dust extraction system brought numerous benefits to the Otorohanga Menz Shed:
- Enhanced Air Quality: The new system efficiently removed fine airborne dust, significantly improving air quality and ensuring a safer working environment.
- Improved Cleanliness: The extraction system effectively collected shavings and dust, maintaining a cleaner and more organised workshop.
- Increased Efficiency: With the dust extraction system in place, members spent less time on manual cleaning and more time on their projects, boosting overall productivity.
- Health Benefits: Reduced exposure to harmful dust particles led to better respiratory health for the members, allowing them to work comfortably and safely.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Egmont Air bag-house dust extraction system at the Otorohanga Menz Shed has been transformative. It addressed critical health and safety concerns, improved workshop conditions, and enhanced the overall efficiency of operations. This collaboration underscores the importance of tailored solutions in creating safer and more productive environments for community-focused organisations.
Have a workshop that could benefit from dust extraction. We’ve been doing this for over 30 years, we’ll have the solution for you. Give Richard, Cameron or Todd a call today.