Powered Respirators Vs Dust Masks

[sunnybob]

Does size matter? seriously?

The smaller the filter area, the quicker it will block, but that depends on how many hours its used, how much fine dust there is... its endless.

The whole point is, your best chance of avoiding lung diseases is to use an FFP3 filter material. And to make sure it fits securely, and to change it as often as you feel you need to.

 

[Muswell]

I've had a powered respirator but didn't like the weight and noise, I've had 3 different renewable filter respirators and found them sweaty. A few years ago I discovered the 3M 8833 which is FFP3 and has the little valve to make it easier to breathe. They are expensive but very comfortable and I wouldn't consider anything else now.

 

[screwpainting]

I've just ordered a pack of ten of these thanks to your above recommendation Muswell, having looked at them before. How long would you say you can you use them or are they best just single use.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Cup-Shaped- ... 63&sr=1-12

I though that was a pretty good price

Steve.

 

[skipdiver]

Now that i am working full time in my shop, i've been wearing a mask all day and it is annoying the crap out of me. The recent spell of hot weather has been horrible as i sweat a lot and what with safety specs and ear defenders, it's a pretty uncomfortable experience all round. I really want to invest in a full face respirator but comments on inappropriate filters and noise are putting me off as they are not cheap to try out. Users thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Beau]

Now that i am working full time in my shop, i've been wearing a mask all day and it is annoying the rubbish out of me. The recent spell of hot weather has been horrible as i sweat a lot and what with safety specs and ear defenders, it's a pretty uncomfortable experience all round. I really want to invest in a full face respirator but comments on inappropriate filters and noise are putting me off as they are not cheap to try out. Users thoughts would be appreciated.

Have you tried a visor instead of the specs? I really like this combo http://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/v40-peltor ... ming-visor with these masks as they have a downward firing vent to avoid misting up http://www.protectivemasksdirect.co.uk/ ... AnIT8P8HAQ

 

[sunnybob]

Skipdiver.
Agreed without argument that the masks are annoying on a full working day, but clogged lungs are forever.
Glad youre still seeking alternatives rather than giving up though.

And just to cheer you up, I'm working in 34 degrees today! Sandals, beach shorts and mask sums up my attire. Stick with the program mate.

 

[CHJ]

I do wonder; why are the trend masks (both the air race and air shield pro) rated at P2?
Presumably the different filter grades are for different intensities and particle types, but if it's important for people doing woodwork to have P3 filters, why when Trend is a company specialising in woodwork do they only provide the lower grade?

Because the mask design cannot guarantee to meet the standard of P3 filtering in normal use.
No point in having a P3 filter if the mask itself can't ensure that you are not breathing in air that is leaking past its seals at the same particulate level.

To make the mask totally P3 compliant to pass the certification tests would probably double the retail price.

Look at the price of trade rated mask systems, not just the filters, that are certified to P3 and you will see the difference.

 

[Adam9453]

I do share others frustration that there isn't a powered respirator with P3 protection available (even at a much higher cost) from what I have found.
I would be interested in a link to a P3 level powered respirator regardless of price as it would be useful to know how much it would cost to get the optimum protection equipment.

 

[CHJ]

....I would be interested in a link to a P3 level powered respirator regardless of price as it would be useful to know how much it would cost to get the optimum protection equipment.

http://www.thesafetysupplycompany.co.uk ... 0woddVcIng

http://www.arco.co.uk/products/20V0001

There are cheaper brands but with all searches be prepared to source filter units and suitable helmet and face shield as separate units, some masks are only vapour proof not impact resistant.

 

[n0legs]

I was going to suggest going full air fed, I have quite a few times with mdf. But I feel given that PPE should be seen as a last resort, possibly address localised extraction more so.
Dust management isn't easy, and really important, but there are solutions.
I've worked to get my place better, snd there's still more I need to do, but my shed/workshop is healthier than ever.

 

[lurker]

The problem with air fed is getting the air quality clean.
A "normal" compressor pumps out air heavily laden with oil.

 

[Adam9453]

Thanks for the links.

I had looked into the 3M versaflo system but to be completely honest got a bit lost in whether I needed to have some kind of clean air system installed which I "plugged" into or whether the belt actually provides the clean air. I found their website more confusing than helpful i'm afraid.
I keep meaning to phone 3M to discuss the system with them and find out exactly what I would need to purchase so I know what I would be getting myself into.

I completely agree with the comments about dealing with dust extraction at source rather than just trying to protect yourself from it. I am currently in the process of upgrading my dust extraction setup and 'hopefully', a big 'hopefully', it will virtually eliminate dust in the air.

I suspect I'll still wear the dust mask though as it certainly can't hurt to be "over protected" can it. (hammer)

 

[CHJ]

Now that i am working full time in my shop, i've been wearing a mask all day and it is annoying the rubbish out of me. The recent spell of hot weather has been horrible as i sweat a lot and what with safety specs and ear defenders, it's a pretty uncomfortable experience all round. I really want to invest in a full face respirator but comments on inappropriate filters and noise are putting me off as they are not cheap to try out. Users thoughts would be appreciated.

Are the comments in this old thread of any help

 

[n0legs]

The problem with air fed is getting the air quality clean.
A "normal" compressor pumps out air heavily laden with oil.

That is absolutely correct.

I'm not saying everyone should run out and buy one, I'm in the fortunate position that advice to set mine up was easily obtained. My air is filtered three times before it even gets to the masks belt mounted filter. It all requires quite a bit of maintenance, and money, to get it anywhere near good enough for my occasional use.

Extraction at source lets me get away with just a 3M 'bug mask'. I could possibly go disposable, but I get them free each montly anyway.
There's a lot to consider in this dust management game, but ignore it and you and the loved ones could lose out in a big way.

 

[skipdiver]

Some interesting thoughts and links gents. I'm finding the transition to working full time in my shop a great pleasure, apart form one thing and that's the dust problem. I'm someone who sweats quite a lot and am struggling with it and steamed up safety specs. I also have mild psoriasis and am finding that my ears are getting very sweaty and itchy. I think i'll just have to try some sort of airshield and trade the discomfort i now have for the discomfort of the weight and noise issue. I am finding that despite all my efforts, i am still ending the day with some slight tightness in my chest and will have to look at beefing up my extraction and filtration, along with finding a mask i'm happy to wear all day. Just wish that the airshield types came with higher rated filters but i'll do some research over the weekend and make a decision.

 

[sunnybob]

Purely from a discussion theory point of view, and my limited experience, but I worry about all the "air purifiers" that are at ceiling height.
To me it seems logical to have these at below head height.
the overhead units just pull the very fine dust up past your face, and its the very fine dust that defeats all our masks.
It would make more sense to me to have the air flow downwards, dragging the fine dust to floor. If that was combined with an overhead fan set to blow downwards, I would think it would much safer for all concerned.

My machines are connected to extraction which is quite efficient, but I do a lot of hand sanding on the bench which has nothing yet and my mask and body gets covered in dust. I'm thinking of making a small down draft table for sanding.

 

[CHJ]

.... If that was combined with an overhead fan set to blow downwards, I would think it would much safer for all concerned.

......

Sucking dust away from you as you are doing with fresh air source behind your position is best practice possible but Never Blow Dust. Even moving it with a ceiling mounted fan as you suggest means that the flow direction/deflection is going to change every time you move under or near its downdraft stream.

Blowing only distributes it further in an uncontrolled way with a higher velocity.

Worst case scenario is blowing dust and shavings away with an airline, if others are around then you risk subjecting them to high velocity particles, if you don't have good face protection you risk back reflected rebound debris, in the shop in general poorly sealed bearings and equipment is open to enforced debris ingestion.


Best practice with dust settled on surfaces is to disturb with a fine brush whilst 'vacuuming' close to the disturbance.

 

[sunnybob]

I'm in a pretty unique situation. because of the heat, I work with the garage roll up door open all the time, so I have constant dust swirls. Point taken on the fan though.

I definitely need a down draught work table for sanding, just need to find room for it on the machine wall. I've tried running extra trunking across the roof to the bench, but lose a very large amount of suction.

 

[wallace]

n0legs what extra is involved when getting air from a compressor clean enough to breathe. I picked up a 3M hood and regulator recently.

 

[lurker]

My normal work attire

http://www.respirexinternational.com/en ... late-suit/

Don't half make your sweat :lol: