This system is maintained by the woodtech team and people they have specifically trained. Do not do any of the following tasks without talking to a woodtech first.
This wiki defines maintenance for the woodshop air filter units. It is based on the manufacturer’s handbook and established practice. The maintenance consists primarily of cleaning and changing the three filter stages in each unit as described in the Green and Blue exams below.
For general notes on wood shop maintenance see here.
- This task creates higher than usual levels of fine dust which poses a respiratory hazard and can irritate the eyes and skin. This risk is often underestimated. Wear appropriate RPE and eye protection, and be aware of the risk of contaminated clothing.
- This task involes shutting down the woodwork shop air filters. Machine tools should not be used while this maintenance is being done.
- Parts of this task involve working at height. Do not work alone and check the condition of the ladders prior to use. Be mindful of others and take appropriate safety measures.
- This task can involve moving heavy enclosures at height. Do not overextend yourself or risk injury.
- This task involves working near rotating air fans with moderately powerful motors. Lock out/tag out the power supply while maintenance is being done.
Information
There are two air filters in the woodwork shop. One is above the table saw, the second is above the doors to the metal shop. They are both powered by the small wall unit on the wall by the tablesaw. They were built specifically for the woodshop and are somewhat unique.
Each unit is constructed in the same way: the right half contains the primary stage air filters and the left half contains two further filter stages and the centrifugal fan. The two halves are held together with screws. Air is pulled through the three filter stages by the fan which is visible through the exhaust on the left and will spin all the time when the unit has power.
The three filter stages are:
| Stage | Number of filters | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 3 | Black foam pads |
| Secondary | 1 | Bag filter |
| Tertiary | 1 | Metal mesh filter. |
Tools Required
- Karcher or Festool hoover with wide attachment.
- Spare filter sets as required.
- Impact driver and PZ2 bits.
- Anenometer fluid (if required).
Prep
This maintenance should be completed by two people; one to work on the ladder and one to spot the ladder, assist with handing up tools, and prevent people from walking under the stepladder.
Preparation differs for the two filters.
For the Metal shop filter:
- Ensure no power tool or machine tool working is being done in the workshop. If necessary, tag out the power to the shop.
- Ensure the air filter power supply above the tablesaw is turned off and locked out.
- Open one door to the metal shop so that you are visible to anyone walking through.
- Lock out the planer as an additional safety measure.
- Position the step ladder adjacent to the filter.
Note
- As a safety concern, members should not use these doors while the maintenance is being done.
- Complete these tasks in a timely manner to minimise the risk of dust entering the metalwork area.
For the table saw filter:
- Ensure no power tool or machine tool working is being done in the workshop. If necessary, tag out the power to the shop.
- Ensure the air filter power supply above the tablesaw is turned off and locked out.
- Clear any projects away from the outfeed table.
- Lock out the tablesaw as an additional safety measure.
- Position the stepladder by the filters.
Blue Exam - inspect and clean
- Wear your RPE and eye protection.
- Check the hoover bag is reasonably empty.
- Using the hoover and attachment, carefully clean the dust from the outside of the black primary filters. This can be done from ground level if preferred.
- Remove one of the side filters and briefly inspect the inside of the filter unit. Hoover out any loose dust.
- Refit the filter and get down off the ladder.
Warning: Check that nobody is working on the other filter before proceeding.
- Restore power to the filters. Check that they run when the woodshop power is on: the fan rotor should spin and the fluid level in the anenometer should indicate a pressure change.
- Fill out the Kanban card and Record Sheet.
- Remove any other LOTO isolations you’ve used, as long as it is safe to do so.
- Clean up. Sweep up any leftover dust and return tools to storage.