Alternatives to Respirators?

M

Minibear464

Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
687
I've just ordered my stuff, and included some toxic green G10 liners. I couldn't really resist. :rolleyes: Now though, I'm stuck with the question of how do I shape the G10 safely. If I'm just sawing the G10, is it still harmful? And if I sand underwater, or wet sand, is the glass still released into the air? Or would a respirator be a better idea? And if I do get a respirator, what do I need? I'm just going to be working with sandpaper and a saw, and I don't think I'll release any fumes, but I really have no idea. Oh, and is Micarta in the same boat as G10?
 
ANY sanding dust is in the same boat IMO... at minimum wear a dust mask and work outside.. keeping it wet will minimize any fibers being released into the air... respirators aren't cheap, but is relative to how much value you place on your lungs, so they're mandatory working inside..
 
You have 2 contaminants to deal with, particulate and gaseous. If it's warm out use the best respirator filtration for dusts you can find and ventilate thoroughly. If you are in an enclosed area combine this with activated carbon filters.... at work we use P100 but it leaves us vulnerable to the exhaust from the diesels and two strokes, but it's hard to find anything that protects from everything!

Even if you work wet, the stuff eventually dries and will fly up when agitated like when you move or clean. Make sure your vac exhausts away from your work area.

Micarta has less dangerous fiber particulate but as dangerous fumes... but if you are hand working it's the fibers you need to worry more about.

Like BCK said avoid inhaling all dusts but glass is persistent. I find CF to be worse as it floats around forever...
 
Just remember, the dust from G10 is quite harmful. A dust mask will stop the larger less harmful stuff. A good respirator with a P100 filter will stop the more dangerous ultra fine dust that you can't even see.

Be aware that it is also on your clothes and in your hair, so you'll want to launder your cloths before playing with the kids and wash your hair before going to bed etc...
 
AND.... the mask stays on until you leave the shop..... don't sweep/dry wipe your equipment off either. A shop-vac and damp cloth are the way to go. Don't mess with your lungs!
 
I hate G10 for this reason.. it's a great material for the end user.. but I don't want to work with it at all. I'm okay with Micarta, but G10 scares me, frankly.
 
mgysgthath said:
I hate G10 for this reason.. it's a great material for the end user.. but I don't want to work with it at all. I'm okay with Micarta, but G10 scares me, frankly.
Click to expand...

it is hard on machine tools too.
 
I cut mine with a hacksaw, which was fun.. and the cleanup afterwards is a major pain in the rump.. its all over the grinder, walls, floor, etc. Not to mention your clothes, face, etc.
Nathan the Machinist said:
it is hard on machine tools too.
Click to expand...

Also to the original post, the resp-o-rator is an option, which works with facial hair.. its basically a snorkel with hepa filters on the back. I have one but I've yet to try it out, as I have been forging rather than grinding lately (cold weather makes me like a hot forge!). They're fairly inexpensive, as well.
 
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mgysgthath said:
I hate G10 for this reason.. it's a great material for the end user.. but I don't want to work with it at all. I'm okay with Micarta, but G10 scares me, frankly.
Click to expand...

Agreed. You can get some really nice finishes and colour combos going, but it only seems to excel at grinding. The dust is brutal, I have a box where I keep my G-10 working clothes in the garage that NEVER come inside the house. Yep I pop in the house half naked after and G-10 work and pop straight into the shower!

So yep, do NOT skimp on a respirator. A half-mask I consider the minimum (what I use) and I want to upgrade it to a full face shield to keep the dust 100% away from my face/eyes.
 
I recently assembled a sump filtering system for removing the microscopic glass fines from the coolant. I hate putting that stuff in my machines...

A couple years ago I was down at Anderson, in Charlotte, and they were machining concrete. There was actualy sand all over everything ...Shudder....
 
For someone starting out, what half-face respirator would you recommend?

Would this 3m p95 work? $28.00

http://www.amazon.com/3M-R6211-Low-...ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1324326889&sr=1-2

From the Manufacturer
3M Half Facepiece Paint Spray/Pesticide Respirator Assembly R6211, Medium. This assembly consists of : 1 each 3M Half Facepiece 6200 , 1 pair of 3M Organic Vapor Cartridge 6001, 2 pair of 3M Particulate Filter 5P71, P95 and 1 pair of 3M Filter Retainer 501.

Product Description
PAINT SPRAY & PESTICIDE RESPIRATOR Low profile for visibility and to accommodate safety glasses Lightweight to reduce pressure on neck and nose Soft pliable facepiece for comfortable fit Easy breathability Comfortable, lightweight, easy-to-adjust Low maintenance, only cartridge and prefilter to replace Easy-to-clean between use Peggable card

41YxUWkapmL.jpg
 
Don Nguyen said:
For someone starting out, what half-face respirator would you recommend?
Click to expand...


P100 filters are better

The difference between p95 and p100 is the particle size - P100 catches the finer ones.

That mask you show is medium
There are 3 sizes
It is best to go to a safety supplier and have them fit you.


Safety Equipment
Protect your -Eyes, Ears, Fingers, and Lungs – remove jewellery and put on safety gear.

Respirators
Chronic lung disease and cancer really suck the joy out of life.
Don't believe me? google "Ed Caffrey lung cancer" and see what he has to say about it.

The minimum I would consider are the 3M 7500 and North 7700 silicone half masks with a P100 Filter.
Use a VOC & P100 combo cartridge for protection against acetone and solvents.
There are also prefilters that snap over the main filter for longer life.

For beards, pick one of these
3M PAPR
Resp-O-Rator
3m Breathe Easy
Trend Airshield Pro
Air Cap II
 
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