FOD removal is important in a number of different environments, where the debris on the ground can create hazards for aircraft, people, and vehicles. There needs to be an effective way to remove FOD in order to stay safe.
Devices for Removal
There are a number of devices that can be used for FOD removal. These devices include vacuums, sweepers, water-based high-pressure washers, and FOD mats. Finding the right type of solution is based on your environment, industry, and the level of safety you want to maintain.
Using a FOD Mat
A FOD mat is a device that is used to remove FOD and can be one of the most effective ways to do so. This device will connect behind another type of vehicle, such as a golf cart or truck. The mat is opened and connected to a tow bar while attached to the vehicle to use it. It uses special bristles on the underside of the mat to pull the debris up. It’s even possible to get a wider sweeping path by securing two mats side by side. The mat uses small brushes along the underside of the mat to help transfer debris onto the top and into the collection area. A FOD mat can pick up various materials, such as sand, rocks, screws, nuts, bolts, paper clips, small metal parts, and sand. The FOD mat will pick up the most dangerous types of debris from the ground. Very large objects should be picked up using a different method, since a mat may not be able to collect them.
Foreign object debris removal can be done at any time in both wet and dry conditions, since there are no fuel or electronic powered moving parts or brushes that can get damaged in wet conditions. Water that is picked up by the mat will be released through a mesh net that is placed on top of the mat. Cleaning the FOD mat is easy. Once the debris is picked up, you can shake out the handles at the end of the sweeper. You will need to be careful not to accidentally add FOD where you are trying to remove it. If needed, you can use a Shop Vac to pick up debris and then dispose of it in the right trash receptacle. After emptying, a thorough cleaning isn’t required, but you can rinse the mats with water.
How Effective Is a FOD Mat?
A FOD mat is estimated to be between 95 and 98 percent effective when a single pass is done on small surface debris. Mats are designed to pick up even the smallest of debris, but they aren’t designed to collect cans or larger objects. FOD mats won’t be effective in removing debris from potholes.
