HEPA Vacuum Cleaning

 

For a HEPA filter in a vacuum cleaner to be effective, the vacuum cleaner must be designed so that all the air drawn into the machine is expelled through the filter, with none of the air leaking past it. Also, because of the extra density of a HEPA filter, the vacuum cleaner requires a more powerful motor to provide adequate cleaning power.

 

We use the most powerful HEPA vacuums for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. We also use HEPA vacuums for cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the remediation area. We ensure the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air passes through the filter.

 

When changing the vacuum filter, our technicians wear the proper protection equipment to prevent exposure to any contaminants or mold that has been captured. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum is then disposed of in well-sealed plastic bags. Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. It is important to package mold contaminated materials in sealed bags before removal from the containment area to minimize the dispersion of mold spores throughout the building. Large items that have heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area.

 

HEPA filters have been traditionally used in hospital operating and isolation rooms, pharmaceutical and computer chip manufacturing, and other application requiring "absolute" filtration.