Setting up a parts washer

[nutsnbolts]

I recently discovered that we have a brand new Graymills 16 gallon parts washer at the hospital that no one has taken the time and effort to set up yet. I thought it would be a good thing to have up and running, so I am taking it on myself to set it up. Okay, I admit it, I have a selfish motive. I have lots of dirty tools that I would love to see sparkle

I have a couple of questions. Mainly, what are some things that I need to think about when choosing the spot to keep it. Obviously I need power, and I would want it out of the way of traffic. It will be kept in our boiler/chiller/water pump room, which is very big and there is plenty of space to choose from. I guess the real question might be, what area would I want to avoid? Fire extinguishers are readily available, and I already found one that I will mount nearby, wherever it ends up.

Also, I was looking at solvents on Grainger, and there are a few to choose from. Is there any type that is better than the next, or does it really matter?

Any other thoughts are quite welcome

 

[ibedayank]

purple power from $ store think about flammable and boiler normally that means open flame
vapors = BOOM so only waterbased solvents

 

[nutsnbolts]

purple power from $ store think about flammable and boiler normally that means open flame
vapors = BOOM so only waterbased solvents

Whatever solvent we get will be from Grainger. Not concerned about cost.

There is a storage room next door to the boiler room with a huge exhaust fan some 12 feet above. I was considering using this room if they allow it. It is narrow though, maybe only 6 feet wide, but probably 30 feet long. Would this be okay so long as it has the exhaust fan going? It runs 24/7 due to it being part of an air handler system

 

[ibedayank]

better read your OSHA rule book about flammable liquids in a boiler room

 

[nutsnbolts]

better read your OSHA rule book about flammable liquids in a boiler room

Yeah, that's probably a good idea. Although it is a sealed system, hot water boilers. When I talked to one of the engineers about it he didn't voice any concern over it being in the same room, and he has been a building engineer for some 40+ years. I completely trust his judgment

 

[ibedayank]

Smoking, hot work, and all other open flames and
spark producing devices should be prohibited in
storage rooms

like a pilot light

http://www.harleysvillegroup.com/losc/PDFs/LCT1026.pdf

osha reg... 1926.152(f)(1)

Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids shall be kept in closed containers when not actually in use.


parts washer is not a closed container allows fumes to excape


1926.152(b)(1)

No more than 25 gallons of flammable liquids shall be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet. For storage of liquefied petroleum gas, see 1926.153.

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=10673&p_table=STANDARDS

if an accident did happen who would get fired you or him? Would he say I told him to do it or throw you under the bus to save his own ***? as I stated in first reply use a waterbased non flammable solvent and do it right way from the start

 

[Wamsutta]

purple power from $ store think about flammable and boiler normally that means open flame
vapors = BOOM so only waterbased solvents

That stuff has to be rinsed off thoroughly with water; it's extremely corrosive.

 

[txvwnut]

Graymills is a alliance member on here, contact them they can steer you in the direction you need to be.

 

[Boilerhouse]

We have had a large parts cleaner, petroleum based solvent, in our boiler room for years. The boiler room, which is small by industrial standards, is 30,000 sq feet. Surely you also have a spot to safely locate one. Flammable liquid? - you have multiple pumps and gear boxes which contain oil, you use solvents daily to help you maintain your equipment. Short of dumping the parts cleaner directly into the boiler's air intake (which may not even be in the boiler room), a parts cleaners is as safe in your boiler room as it is in your garage assuming regular common sense prevails. We have had multiple inspections by multiple authorities and never has the parts cleaner raised a concern.
Anyways...we have a spot with good access to bring equipment to it and occasionally replace the solvent, power to run it, good overhead lighting, ventilation to stay cool (some grimy parts take hour(s) to clean), away from floor drains, and a supply of usual PPE.

 

[nutsnbolts]

We have had a large parts cleaner, petroleum based solvent, in our boiler room for years. The boiler room, which is small by industrial standards, is 30,000 sq feet. Surely you also have a spot to safely locate one. Flammable liquid? - you have multiple pumps and gear boxes which contain oil, you use solvents daily to help you maintain your equipment. Short of dumping the parts cleaner directly into the boiler's air intake (which may not even be in the boiler room), a parts cleaners is as safe in your boiler room as it is in your garage assuming regular common sense prevails. We have had multiple inspections by multiple authorities and never has the parts cleaner raised a concern.
Anyways...we have a spot with good access to bring equipment to it and occasionally replace the solvent, power to run it, good overhead lighting, ventilation to stay cool (some grimy parts take hour(s) to clean), away from floor drains, and a supply of usual PPE.

This area is very big and everything is well spread out. Yes, there are boilers in there, 5 of them I believe. They are hot water boilers. This is a secondary boiler room in our new building. We also have four high pressure boilers, but they are in a different building. This area also has several chillers, domestic and heating water pumps, elysators, and various other pieces of equipment. The lead engineer was the one who originally purchased the parts washer and had it moved to this area, and the hospital is all about safety, so I don't think having it in this area is an issue.

I guess what I am looking for is more along the lines of, what else should I think about putting in the area? I was thinking it might be handy to get some retired cabinets to have over there for PPE, shelves to separate dirty and clean parts, etc.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I use awesome from the dollar store, It is water based and works very well.