Changing Respirator Filters

[blgoode]

How often do you change the filters on your respirators?
For main dust prevention will just changing the insert portion be good enough? I have a charcoal(I think) screw in filter, place a second filter packet on the screw in piece and snap the cover over both of those.
Any info is good.

 

[Sweany]

when the air doesn't come through anymore.


Tip of the day, wash out the rubber part, weekly if you use it a lot. witht he perspiration and snot in the mask it breeds molds and mildew

 

[paintfool]

if you can taste anything or smell anything other than the mask itself, then it's usually time to replace the filters, another tip: test before you start working with it, every single time (within reason).
Steve

 

[Mike Hull]

Like was said above, when you smell or taste what you're working, assuming of course, that the mask is adjusted properly. The elastic straps can stretch from sweat, and the toxic materials we grind, which seems to degrade elastic fast, if not cared for.
Change the cotton(?) dust prefilter, when it looks clogged.

You should remove the cartridges when finished for the day, wash the mask inside, and out, including the straps, with whatever the manufacturer recommends(you don't want to put the respirator away with toxic dust, etc., on it), place it to dry, and place the cartridges(after wiping the outside down) in a zip loc bag.
They will last a lot longer if you store them that way, when not in use.


Edited to add; Many respirator manufacturers can supply "wipes" to clean the face piece, at least 3-M does. It makes things a lot easier.

 

[allan lanigan]

The Charcoal remains active only for a short period {week or so after being exposed to air,so if your grinding materials eg. micarta that are giving off fumes you may want to change the charcoal filters more often,If just for dust they a good for a long time just change the prefilters .

 

[paintfool]

the ziplock bag is a good idea too, the one I have came with it's own bag just for that reason so I forgot to mention it
and the 3m wipes are great to have.