Vacuum Equipment Instructions

• Vacuum books gently.
• Protect the cords from being run over by equipment or moveable book stacks, and keep vacuums in an upright position on the floor, not on book trucks, etc.
• Do not pull on the electrical cords, and take care when wrapping the electrical cord around the vacuum for storage; this can put undue strain on the cord to the point of pulling it out of the machine!
• VERY IMPORTANT - CHANGE FILTER:  To protect the motor, maintain a record of filter changes so that the secondary filter(s) can be maintained by the Preservation Department. Instructions are specific for each vacuum (below).
• Please keep the equipment in a locked room when not in use.

HEPA Vacuums (preferred for large cleaning projects)

For dry vacuuming only.

The HEPA vacuum filter should be changed once a week or less if there is fine, copious dust. When shelves are not as dirty or vacuuming is sporadic, the filter bags do not need to be changed as frequently. The bags may need to be changed before they are full, especially when fine dust is more likely to clog filter pores and block air circulation through the bag. The result is an overheated motor that burns out. The HEPA vacuum will be sent to the Preservation Dept. for filter replacement. A card on the HEPA vacuum will be marked by the person who changes the filter bag. Please do not attempt to open the machine unless you have been trained to do so.

If you notice a strong smell or if the vacuum is not performing well, turn it off immediately and notify your supervisor.

Princess Vacuums (canister type)

These are for dry vacuuming only.

The vacuums need regular maintenance when being used for stack cleaning. If crews are doing heavy cleaning (several hours per day) then make sure the paper cone filter is changed every week. If the cleaning isn't as heavy, then the filter can go a little longer before changing. The filter gets a solid coat of fine dust which blocks air circulation, even before there is much in the canister. This can result in overheating and the motor works harder. So it is very important that you check the vacuum regularly.

Replacement cone filters are provided by the Preservation Department and can easily be replaced  as follows:

1. Lift the canister unit from the wheel ring. Release side clamps and lift motor unit. Gently set it down. Empty the canister. Open a new filter cone on top of the canister, inserting the point down into the locator depression in the bottom of the canister.
2. Replace the motor unit, making sure the white filter tabs extend over the rim. Reclamp.

Return to UCSD Preservation Guidelines.