Editor,
In response to Kevin Cahill's Jan. 24 letter in the Daily Lobo about the backpack vacuum cleaners used by our custodial staff, the Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs would like to provide the following information.
These backpack vacuums were specifically purchased because of their ergonomic design and low decibel level. The custodial staff we talked to preferred the backpack vacuum to the upright vacuum.
Padded and contoured shoulder straps and waist belts distribute weight evenly around the hips. Old upright vacuum actually create more physical stress because it requires more time to vacuum the same area. Also, the push-pull motion of the whole unit, which weighs much more than the backpack unit, is repetitive.
The backpack vacuum has a long, light extension that can get into tough places easily, such as corners, vents, etc., without having to move heavy furniture around. The vacuums are not heavy; they weigh 11 pounds when empty. When completely full, the vacuums may weigh about 15 pounds, but custodial staff members are required to empty the bag every two hours.
At most, custodial staff members will vacuum for about four to five hours per night.
Noise levels of the backpack vacuums register between 74 and 79 decibels, which is below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for noise - 90 decibels - and the OSHA action level of 85 decibels. Upright vacuum cleaners can register noise levels of 86 - 91 decibels.
In regards to building air quality, this vacuum is much more efficient for removing dust. It is 96.1 percent efficient at filtering particles down to 1 micron in size and is 42 percent more efficient than a commercial upright vacuum.
We very much appreciate that UNM staff and students bring safety concerns to our attention. Please feel free to contact our department at 277-2753 to report any safety concerns you may have.
Donii Fox
Industrial hygiene manager
Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Department
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