PT. IndoVeneer, a furniture SME located in Solo, Central Java, has implemented M1 and M5. As part of the M5 training, under the supervision of Labour Inspectors from Central Java Province, they created a plan to improve the OSH in their factory, beginning by modifying the vacuum used to extract dust from the work environment to optimize its performance.

The vacuum was improved and made safer as shown in before and after pictures marked “A”. At first the results were disappointing and it was almost decided to scrap the vacuum. However, in jointly thinking more about the issue and the way the machine functions, the idea of checking and cleaning the large pipes higher up (closer to the central vacuum pump) was explored. They had never done this before because the factory could not function if the machine was turned off. As shown in Before and After photos “B”, When they opened the pipe it was blocked by a large amount of sawdust, which should have been expelled by the vacuum into an external bin. On cleaning one part of the pipe, they immediately noted an improvement in suction power. They went on to clean each section with the result that the machine began to function optimally and there was no need to replace it.

Before and After Photos of Process Improvement:

BEFORE	AFTER
This shows the machine before modifications: small dust collector did not work optimally has and represented a risk to of cutting/suction injury	This shows the modified machine: casing was added around the end of the vacuum pipes to improve the strength and reach of the vacuum and reduce the risk of workers being injured by putting hands close to the vacuum pipes.
Shows one section of the partially blocked pipe plus the measure of suction before this section was opened and cleared	Shows the same section of pipe plus the improved measure of suction after clearing