As an industrial hygienist, the tools I rely on are more than just equipment; they are partners in ensuring worker safety and regulatory compliance. Precision, reliability, and efficiency are not just buzzwords but the cornerstones of my daily operations. The SKC Touch Series pumps have proven to be exceptional in that role, offering a user-friendly experience that significantly enhances productivity in the demanding environments where I work.
A Leap Forward in User Experience
My journey with the SKC Touch Series pumps began at Hill Air Force Base, a setting where precision and efficiency are paramount. Having used traditional SKC pumps with their button-driven interfaces, I was well-versed in navigating complex button sequences to adjust flow rates. The transition to the Touch Series was nothing short of revolutionary. The intuitive touch screen interface eliminated the need for those intricate button combinations, making pump operation straightforward and efficient. This modernization was a breath of fresh air, removing the guesswork and potential for error often accompanying traditional pump setups.
The simplicity of the touch screen allows for quick adjustments and easy viewing which is crucial to ensure the sampling event is a success. In high-stakes environments, such as those at Hill Air Force Base, the ability to set up equipment rapidly and accurately is invaluable. This ease of use translates directly into increased productivity, allowing me to focus on data collection and analysis rather than wrestling with equipment.
Designed with the Industrial Hygienist in Mind
Industrial hygienists have many responsibilities, from ensuring regulatory compliance to safeguarding worker health. The SKC Touch Series pumps ease the effort to meet these challenges by providing a seamless user experience that simplifies complex tasks. I find that the intuitive pump design:
- Ensures easy operation for those new to the equipment, reducing the learning curve and minimizing the potential for user error.
- Aids in more efficient data collection, vital in environments where speed and accuracy are critical.
- Reduces the cognitive load associated with equipment operation. This frees industrial hygienists to focus on their work’s broader aspects, such as assessing exposure risks and implementing control measures.
Practical Applications and Unwavering Performance
One of the stand-out features of the Touch Series pumps is their LED status indicator system that provides a clear visual confirmation of pump operation. This feature is particularly valuable when direct pump monitoring is challenging or impractical. For instance, while conducting exposure assessments on maintenance personnel applying coatings to the intakes of F-22 Raptors, interrupting their work to check pump status was not feasible. I used the LED reflection on their white coveralls as a quick and effective way to monitor pump operation without disrupting their workflow.
This real-world example highlights the practical benefits of the Touch Series pumps. The pump’s design is not just about convenience; it enhances productivity and ensures accurate data collection in challenging environments. Beyond the LED indicators, these pumps are rugged; they are built to withstand the rigors of industrial settings. Whether in mining operations, steel mills, or manufacturing facilities, the SKC Touch Series pumps deliver consistent performance, even in the face of dust, heat, and vibrations.
The durability of these pumps ensures long-term reliability, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing downtime. As an industrial hygienist, their robustness translates into cost savings and peace of mind when I rely on my equipment to perform consistently.
Advanced Features and Seamless Technological Integration
The SKC Touch Series pumps reflect a commitment to innovation. The transition from mechanical adjustments to a touch screen interface eliminates the need for tools like screwdrivers to modify flow rates. Operations like calibration and setup are streamlined and fast. The combination of technological advancements and user-friendly design are indispensable in helping you to ensure worker safety is never compromised.
If you are seeking advanced functionality, the AirChek® Connect offers Bluetooth® connectivity. This feature enables remote pump operation monitoring from a mobile device or laptop, which is highly beneficial when managing multiple sampling points or working in environments where direct access to equipment is limited. This enhances efficiency and reduces the need for manual checks that can disrupt workflow.
I mentioned the pumps’ visual indicators earlier. These further enhance pump operation monitoring by providing clear and immediate feedback on pump status at a distance. Additionally, the streamlined calibration process reduces the time required to verify the flow rate before and after sampling, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while increasing efficiency in the field.
Reliability and Confidence in Sampling
Sampling accuracy and reliability are paramount in industrial hygiene. In the past, I have encountered challenges with pumps that failed to maintain a full battery charge for an entire shift or exhibited unacceptable variance during pre and post-sampling flow rate verification. I find the SKC Touch Series pumps address these concerns by delivering consistent performance and extended battery life.
Let us talk about support. SKC’s dedicated team of technical and application specialists further reinforces the reliability of these pumps. Their expertise ensures that industrial hygienists can access expert support when needed, providing peace of mind and confidence in the equipment. SKC’s focus on industrial hygiene and other OEHS professionals, combined with a commitment to quality and customer service, is another reason I am confident in their products.
That reliable support system allows professionals like me to focus on our work without worrying about equipment failures or technical difficulties. This support is invaluable in ensuring sampling is conducted accurately and efficiently, protecting worker health and safety.
Conclusion: A Partner in Protecting Worker Health
The SKC Touch Series pumps represent a significant advancement in personal sampling pump technology and impact on industrial hygiene practices. Their intuitive touch screen operation, robust performance, and innovative features make them the preferred choice for industrial hygienists who require efficiency and reliability in their sampling equipment. By simplifying complex processes, these pumps allow professionals to focus on ensuring worker safety rather than troubleshooting equipment limitations. Their durability and longevity reduce the overall cost of ownership for organizations.
For those of you considering a personal sampling pump, selecting a model tailored to specific industrial applications is essential. The SKC Touch Series pumps offer a range of feature sets that provide the highest value. These pumps meet technical requirements and enhance operational efficiency, making them a valuable asset for professionals seeking precision, ease of use, and long-term reliability. In the demanding world of industrial hygiene, SKC Touch Series pumps are more than just tools; they are our partners in protecting worker health and safety.
Dusty Ott, CIH, is Corporate Industrial Hygienist for SKC Inc. He is based in Ogden, Utah, where he and his wife (also an industrial hygienist) are raising their family of four children. Dusty is passionate about making industrial hygiene concepts easy to understand at all levels. Follow Dusty on LinkedIn