Recommendation? PPE (Respirator, eyes and ears)

David Mary

David Mary

pass the mustard - after you cut it
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I use a basic 3M respirator, $10 safety glasses and ear muffs. It works, I never blow black stuff out my nose after work, and I rarely get a spark in my eye, though sometimes it bounces off my cheek, onto the inside of the safety glasses lens, and then into my eye. Depending on what part of the belt I am using, I have to angle myself a special way and double check how far down my glasses are to reduce the likelihood of such occurrences. And it's super annoying to take a sip of coffee, because I have to take the ears off first, then the respirator, while holding the safety glasses with my hand, or the strap with send them flying off onto my bench or the floor. I know, I know, cry me a river cupcake, but if I can find something more convenient, I would like to. I took a chance on one of those $20 Ebay respirators that say they are non fogging, with the full face shield, thinking maybe this would be better protection for my eyes (it was for sure), but I didn't get a full seal, and the straps were digging in behind my ears something awful. Didn't last five minutes before being put aside.

What do you guys use? Is there any such thing as a respirator and PPE combo that is not cumbersome and annoying to wear? Thanks.

IMG-7450.png
 
I have the same set up, only issue I have is the glasses tend to fog up. I have a full face shield version, but need to order a replacement rubber gasket for the nose piece.
 
Ha, the situation you describe with the sparks bouncing off the cheek into the eye happened to me once, only it was a sliver of steel. It cost me a trip to the emergency room. Not fun.
I could not make the respirator/glasses combo work for me (I had a similar setup as you).
My main PPE is now this unit - https://www.disamsafety.cz/303100-f...dnotkou-cleanair-aergo-a-nahl--dilem-unimask/ - so it's similar as the 3M hood-thing that I see used a lot. But it's about half the price where I live - probably because it's a domestic product. I mention it in case it's also available elsewhere. I can not complain about it too much, it does what it's supposed to do. The face shield is already pretty beat up from the sparks and chips, I suppose I will have to buy a replacement at some point. It can be used with ear muffs though it's a bit of a struggle (I put the head strap over the muffs). After some time of using it I also get a stiff jaw - maybe that's because it does not sit properly with those earmuffs. Knowing this I might have gone for the 3M unit which has those incorporated.
There are also these safety goggles that have a rim, they look almost like skiing goggles. I use those when I do not want to pull out the above gizmo. They eliminate the bouncing spark problem, but also can get foggy for me. There's no free lunch I guess.
 
I am no pro - heck I am not even an amateur - but I cut no corners...

Respirator
PLEAE- NO SALES LINKS

Filters
PLEAE- NO SALES LINKS

Face shield
PLEAE- NO SALES LINKS
 
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Keep respirator. Purchase face shield ear/muff combo with either a helmet or not as desired. Trim shield as needed to clear the filters. Amazon has a good selection.

I use a Versaflo PAPR. Hard to beat, but $$$$.
 
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I use a 3M respirator essentially identical to the ones I use and get fit tested for at work. They seal extremely well if you’re wearing the proper size. I’ve considered getting a PAPR system for comfort but they are pricey. I also wear a welding beanie to keep the top straps from wearing my head out. I use cheater safety glasses (normally 2x magnification) for grinding. They’ve been game-changers for me as I’ve found I grind much better when I can actually see. I have a face shield but don’t use it as regularly as I should. It’s just more cumbersome than I like and need to get something smaller. For ear protection I generally use 3M ear express pods or skull screws. They have stems so I can keep my nasty fingers off the plug portion that goes into the ear.
 
3M 6900, anything less than a full face is not really safe

3M worktunes for the ears and not just for sound, you don't want G10 or CF in your ears.

Welder hat so I don't burn my hair off, maybe a hoodie Kenny style when it is not hot
 
Remember, none of these filter at their rated filtration if you have facial hair. PAPR or forced air are best, but costly. Your lungs will thank you in 30 years!
 
nah...my beard gives me that additional level of filtration, screening out larger particulate...
 
By the way. For non fogging I have found thermal is the best. Which is where you get two panes of glass or whatever. And they stay at different temperatures.

Which they might only do in airsoft/paintball.
 
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Another vote for a PAPR system. I use a Versaflo, and yes it was expensive, about 1500$. But it's full face, non-fogging, rated for organic solvents and has integrated ear-muffs as well.

And WAY cheaper than a metal sliver in the eye or lung cancer.
 
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