9 replies to this topic

[tajmiester]

Hi,

My old decorating dust mask is getting on a bit now, and is in need of replacement. I really want something more professional and comfortable, perhaps with replaceable filters. Does anyone know what grade is required for fine sulphur and aluminium powder up to about 3000#? There are a few on ebay, has anyone bought them from here and if so how much for?

Tris

[pritch]

http://www.screwfix....5369&lnTrack=84

[BrightStar]

Reviving an old thread, I'm currently using these masks when handling airfloat charcoal and Al or screening star comps:

http://www.screwfix....s...98&id=27480

They seem to work well enough, but don't specify when they should be replaced. Can anyone please explain how long a disposable P3 mask is meant to last and why? At the moment I just chuck them after a few months when they start to look too grotty...

Would I get better value from a proper respirator? Any suggestions on the type? Thanks in advance.

Edited by BrightStar, 26 October 2007 - 12:57 AM.

[portfire]

Reviving an old thread, I'm currently using these masks when handling airfloat charcoal and Al or screening star comps:

http://www.screwfix....s...98&id=27480

They seem to work well enough, but don't specify when they should be replaced. Can anyone please explain how long a disposable P3 mask is meant to last and why? At the moment I just chuck them after a few months when they start to look too grotty...

Would I get better value from a proper respirator? Any suggestions on the type? Thanks in advance.

It all depends on how much for how long.I once worked as a 'factor based joiner' (not making flat-packs BTW) and with the lack of adequate dust extraction,used these ALOT and went through 1 a day.

If your working for 30mins a day within a dusty environment i'd say around a month,then you should be thinking of replacing it.Another thing to think of when using cartridge respirators is facial hair,three days growth can render the mask useless,one to think about when working with barium salts.

Just found this link which maybe usefull,pages 5-7

http://www.dundee.ac...icy/26-2003.pdf

dean

[icarus]

shepshed auto spares nr loughborough leicesterhire are selling a mask with two fiters that are replaceable and valves so you only breathe in through filter for £5 i bought 3 seem excellent

[Arthur Brown]

Go to http://rswww.com/ and also http://cpc.farnell.com/ and put "dust mask" in the search facility. There are hundreds of types, and some info on choosing the right type. RS is not cheap BUT the stuff comes delivered to your door if you pay by cc.

It is important to realise that some masks protect against only certain hazards, also masks/filters need replacing periodically, also any rubbery compound in the mask will die rapidly in contact with perc and other strong chems. -Keep em clean!

There is a lot to be said for a mask that covers the face, particularly if you value your eyesight and work with hazardous compounds!

[Andrew]

It is important to realise that some masks protect against only certain hazards, also masks/filters need replacing periodically

very good points here.

P3 rated masks are really the minimum protection you want for pyro, especially if you own a mill.



I've seen what are called "comfort masks" for sale at screwfix and other places before, in the fine print it says that "the mask provides no protection from dust"!

What is he point in getting them then? Probably the comforting feeling you get when you think you are protected!!!!!

[Arthur Brown]

HSW act requires you to provide a safe system of work, a safe method of working, to minimise danger, THEN to provide PPE as a last measure to protect the people. Let's face it, If you've spent pounds of a few grammes of something interesting you dont want to lose it into the air as blowing dust.

[Anubis386]

Hell I use an S10 gas mask with full NBC filters when working with anything extra fine n nasty ... When you get used to using them there nice n comfy and not really restrictive

[Arthur Brown]

The two things to watch are that the facemask fits well without leaking, and that the cartridges protect against the hazard that is likely to exist.