What respirator do you wear, when grinding metals with toxicity?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ome
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Don't forget all the wonderful resources we have available at places like MSC. Ask their technical support people, I have used them several times and if they don't know the answer they will get the manufacturer on the line.
 
If possible move your grinder outdoors. Place 2 decent size fans behind and above you blowing at your back and sides. I've done this several times and don't even get the dust on my hands. Then a paper filter works fine as back up.

Stevet
 
If you are just working with particulate the pink N-100 half masks are as good as you should ever need. There are several companies that have paper N-95 masks that have an exhale valve that also work very well but are much harder to seal. Remember with all masks, no facial hair that touches the sealing area. I have the fit test kit and when the 3M masks are the right size and are snug, I have never had one fail a fit test. NO BEARDS!
 
Hi,
just not clear on whether it is the P - 100 or the N - 100 catridge?
Thanks,
Jon
 
moorepower said:
... NO BEARDS!
Click to expand...

This is the most important thing when using masks. A standard breathing apparatus in the service was positive pressure with a demand valve so when you took your first breath, it would positively pressurize the mask so any areas that didn't seal lost air but nothing could flow in. With a non-positive pressurized filter mask, you need to ensure a good seal against the skin otherwise when you draw a breath, you will be pulling un-filtered air.

A mask needs to be part of a larger safety and health philosophy though. Wearing a mask while grinding and painting, then not wearing it when you sweep or blow out the workshop is counterproductive. Keeping a clean, uncluttered workshop means it's easier to control dust and wipe surfaces clean. This is often a problem because those who use masks often store them in the open, where dust from sweeping settles in the mask, rendering the filter useless.

Paul.
 
samthedog said:
This is the most important thing when using masks. A standard breathing apparatus in the service was positive pressure with a demand valve so when you took your first breath, it would positively pressurize the mask so any areas that didn't seal lost air but nothing could flow in. With a non-positive pressurized filter mask, you need to ensure a good seal against the skin otherwise when you draw a breath, you will be pulling un-filtered air.

A mask needs to be part of a larger safety and health philosophy though. Wearing a mask while grinding and painting, then not wearing it when you sweep or blow out the workshop is counterproductive. Keeping a clean, uncluttered workshop means it's easier to control dust and wipe surfaces clean. This is often a problem because those who use masks often store them in the open, where dust from sweeping settles in the mask, rendering the filter useless.

Paul.
Click to expand...


These are wise words!!
Daryl
MN
 
moorepower said:
If you are just working with particulate the pink N-100 half masks are as good as you should ever need. There are several companies that have paper N-95 masks that have an exhale valve that also work very well but are much harder to seal. Remember with all masks, no facial hair that touches the sealing area. I have the fit test kit and when the 3M masks are the right size and are snug, I have never had one fail a fit test. NO BEARDS!
Click to expand...
Thanks,
which test kit do yo have. They range from 170. To 280. and sweet or bitter. Saccharin is used as a sweet, but is carcinogenic.
I do not know the bitter element they use.
Where did you get your test kit?
thanks,
Jon

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TOOLMASTER said:
I have co2 all around...one big bottle to flood the shop if needed..close the door and hit the valve..(siphon tank)
Click to expand...
What does CO2 do to a metal fire?
I thought only a sodium based product like in class D fire extinguishers were used in metal fires.
Jon
 
I use the bitters test kit. I got nib on ebay for $50. I have to test for my business. If you are clean shaven and have the correct size mask and it is tight I personally would be satisfied if it were me. I have done enough test to see what works. Remember to us the alcohol wiped to clean an to seal in a bag or plastic tub when not using
 
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