Respirator or dust mask ??

davidpbo

davidpbo

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I probably have to do a reasonable mount of fibreglass work including cutting & sanding, some of it maybe over head in cabin. What type of mask would people recommend please?

Simple over the face dust mask or something like this ?

http://m.wickes.co.uk/mt/www.wickes.co.uk/wickes-master-respirator-with-cartridges/invt/200277/

Sorry using mobile, can't find way of embedding links easily, is there one in mobileode?

If the latter, what type of filter?

I wear glasses (and eye protection) so avoiding steaming up is a consideration.
 
To use a respirator you should undergo a face fit. This ensures it will do what it should do and fiter your breathing air. Nuisance masks are just that and don't do much other that make you happy you have taken a precaution. The respirator is the way to go I think. If it is just dust you will be ok with a particulate filter medium but if it is fume or vapour then you might need to considered a biological or carbon filter.
 
For cutting and sanding a dust mask is fine, get one rated ffp3, best off with a valve. The ones in b&q likely to be ffp1, cheep but marked up. Find a local safety equipment supplier.

If when actually using resin the fumes are too much then you need a respirator, most respirators have a cartridge to remove the fume and a separate filter for the dust to stop the cartridge getting blocked so is no different to a disposable mask as above for particulate.

Stuart
 
I have a mask like the one you linked to. The filters are replaceable and they do several different types depending on what you're up to. I use it for hardwood dust when working with the router, so only need the particle filter. Works brilliantly for that. No way I'd go back to the disposable paper masks now.

Pete
 
prv said:
I have a mask like the one you linked to. The filters are replaceable and they do several different types depending on what you're up to. I use it for hardwood dust when working with the router, so only need the particle filter. Works brilliantly for that. No way I'd go back to the disposable paper masks now.

Pete
Click to expand...

+1

I have asthma and its sensitive to irritant dust (as opposed to house mite allergic reaction). I use the 3M disposable version very similar to the one you have posted. Its excellent. For example I sanded the aft cabin's internal GRP faces after stripping it out, filling and fairing. Not an issue with asthma at all. I have just demolished the inside of part of my house and removed old plaster, again the dust was quite significant and no issues. I would say that it is even noticeable when I take the mask off and breath pollen laden air, I feel the irritation starting!

The only down side is that condensation builds up inside, so make sure you have clean tissue to wipe clean every now and again. The condensation gathers in a fold of the mask so it doesn't touch your skin when in use.

I use this type, which is disposable: 3M 4000 Series I can't remember the number.
 
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I really like my respirator. However, I think you are probably fine with the face mask you show. Certainly professionals use them.

I don't know what kind of respirator you would consider, but all that clobber round your head causes you bash into things even if you are not working down below. It is a nuisance.
 
*+1 for the 3M mask. I have used them while grinding back fibre glass over the past 7 years or so and as long as you dry them out and clean the dust buildup from the outside of the filter they do the business. I vacuum the outside of the filters when I take a break.
 
I guess you are more worried about dust than fumes but if you think that fumes might be an issue then I would suggest that better ventilation of the area is the preferred option using a fan or two and open hatches to facilitate good exchange of air
 
A good respirator is essential if you are doing much glass work.
I use a Racal Airstream powered unit & it has been brilliant. Now 20 years old & still doing its job.
Racal were bought out by 3m some years ago who now sell modernised versions, best sit down when looking at the cost though!
 
Having been through using discs to remove glue before replacing head lining I would definitely use the respirator you showed. The paper ones don't work in the flying fibre glass. Also goggles and head covering. Overalls with the collar up as high as possible with velcro. It's a pain but the goggles keep steaming up.

And a cool shower afterwards. Hot shower opens the pores in the skin and the little bits of glass get in there. Itching forever afterwards!
 
+1 for the respirator. It's probably slight overkill just for dust, but I find that working overhead (or in various contorted positions) the better fit of the rubber / plastic part is invaluable. It maintains a good seal round your nose & moth where the disposable ones really don't. I get terrible hayfever and I've (Ok I got some funny looks for the neighbours!) worn it when mowing the lawn as an experiment - worked absolutely fine, not the slightest hint of a sniffle!
 
No, I meant a full respirator like the one in the photo, with solvent capability! I absolutely agree that some sort of protection IS essential!
 
I am one of the facemask fit testers at my place of work. Once we started doing the annual fit tests one of the first things we noted was that the disposable paper masks just do not work. As a result they are no longer used here. The half mask you showed is typical of the masks used when eye protection is not required, many of this sort are very effective and they are much less tiring to wear than a full face respirator, as well as being considerably cheaper. Depending on the sort of hazards you are protecting against, different filters are available.
 
http://www.resp-o-rator.com/ I got fed up with the single use masks fogging up my reading specs, so bought one of these. It is very good, if a bit odd. Keeps the filters out of the way and can be used with all sorts of eye protection. Ones spit does tend to drool out of the exit, so a bib is a good idea for prolonged use...
DW
 
I get really fed up with the crazy high prices in DIY stores. Have a look at these, the link is to CFS, who're local to me:

http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/acatalog/CFS_Catalogue__Vapour_Respirators_493.html

I used the cheaper one for all my fibreglass cutting, grinding etc and it's worked fine. No comparrison to disposable masks. If you really want to look after yourself then spend a bit more. I didn't use to wear a mask, or ear defenders, but when you're exposed to hazards more routinely, all those things will add up. Get some good protection and you'll relax knowing you're safe.

Just my ramblings.....
 
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