Respirators?

[bgmills]

I understand the importance of using a good respirator, but what kind. Do you need several to cover the spectrum of woods, synthetics, etc? Names and model numbers and types of filters would certainly help a lot. Thanks.

Bill

 

[12345678910]

posted at the dogs also


A Goatee can be shaped to fit inside those masks.

Every time you put on the mask, test the fit, by putting your hands over the intakes and breathing in, the mask should suck tight to your face.

Not only the formaldehyde in the micarta, we use a lot of solvents such as epoxies, CA glue and acetone.
(Acid Gas = Formaldehyde)

VOC cartridges - (Volatile Organic Compounds) should help to protect against this.
They should be allowed to dry out after wearing and then stored to protect against moisture, which degrades effectiveness of the activated charcoal in the filters.

Cover the chemical filters with P100 over filters to stop the dust.

If you ever smell any chemical smell, it's time to adjust the fit, or change the cartridges.

As Ed mentioned, there are different sizes of fits.
Go to an industrial safety store and they will try on different sizes to get you the right fit and the right cartridges.

I have used both 3M and North masks- especially the soft silicone face pieces.
There are cheaper masks in the hardware store with a harder plastic that don't fit as well and I am much more likely to take it off if it feels bad.


North half mask
http://www.labsafety.com/NORTH-7700-Series-Half-Mask-Respirator_24527529/

Combo filter - Organic vapour and Acid GAs
http://www.labsafety.com/North-Organic-Vapors-Acid-Gases-Respirator-Cartridges-Pkg-of-2_s_41585/Cartridges-and-Filters_24530051/



The Dust Pre filter that snaps over the chemical filter
http://www.labsafety.com/North-P100-Pancake-Respirator-Filters-Prefilters-Disk-Type-Pkg-of-2_s_44302/Cartridges-and-Filters_24530051/

needs this adaptor
Use with Filter Adaptor (No. 44303)
-can't find a link for that-

 

[gixxer]

I use the 3M 7500 series half mask. it directs the exhaled breath down to keep from fogging up the goggles or faceshield. It is made to be washed after it gets crusty. You will know when it needs it when the exhaust flappy sticks from dried spit, then I wash it with warm water and a hair of soap, not too much though. I hate putting it back on my face and it smells like soap nonstop for days.

http://www.boss-safety.com/shop/7503-ultimate-half-facepiece-respirator-large-p-1875.html

P100 filters
http://www.boss-safety.com/shop/2091-p100-particulate-filter-2box-p-198.html

organic/acid/formaldehyde (pick one) vapor cartridge with integral P100 filter
http://www.boss-safety.com/shop/cartridges-filters-60900-series-c-415_9_18_127_587.html

 

[Patrickknives]

Although formaldehyde and other organics can be an issue the PEL (permissible exposure levels) is in the 0.75 ppm range for a continous exposure all day. The primary consideration is for the particulate matter which can be a chronic or acute (immediate) health risk and then worry about the organics. I would get the best particulate filter possible and then look for a add on for the organics. There are some respirators that allow for stacked cartridges rather than a filter strip, I worry about how small of a partical the pads or other add on will collect.

The other consideration is fit and straps, better respirators have thick straps that adjust easily and can be used over many years without the straps becoming unadjustable or streached out. BTW my local Grainger has a safety display where you can see and try on different respirators to see what would fit best for your usage.