What type of breathing protection device should one use when working
with wood. I'd like to get something that I could use for both sanding
and routing type tasks as well as when using stains and sealers.
Anything at harbor freight I can use that would be of any value or is
there a better place to buy such a thing..
Thanks..
Two different problems -- for dust protection a simple dust protector is
generally sufficient unless you're in confined area and not using any
collection.
For solvents you need appropriate cannisters--simple masks don't stop
volatiles at all.
Unless you're a professional, ventilation and some caution really should
be adequate.
--
...for finishes other than some very specialized like some lacquers,
etc., that will have very specific protection required spelled out.
One should always control dust, of course, and protection is a good idea ...
Sanding and routing, just a normal dust mask. Some are cupped and other
look like a surgeon's mask. Both will work well enough for this.
Now for working with chemicals, you need a chemical mask. Less comfortable
and they come with either one or 2 breathing cannisters. Not needed for
just sawdust. I'll add that a light task in a well ventillated place dosnt
need the full chemical mask if it's just applying stains or sealers though a
person who does this professionally day in and day out, might due to
exposure levels.
On Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:17:14 -0400, snipped-for-privacy@webtv.net wrote:
You dont need to spend any money. Just take a 1/4 or 3/8 inch wooden
dowel. Saw off two 1 inch pieces. Take a deep breath and stuff one
up each nostril. Duct tape your mouth shut too. Now just leave them
in until the job is finished. If you have the urge to breathe, go
outside once every hour or two and remove them so you can take another
breath. Then get back to work.
You would get proper protection at a safety equipment store (look for safety
in yellow pages). These stores sell construction/industrial safety stuff
like eye/ear protection, first aid kits, etc.
For breathing protection, it is called a "respirator". There are two kinds.
One just filters out particles like dust and looks like a surgeon's mask.
The other will filter out gases and is a "canister" respirator and looks
like a "gas mask". Some will filter out both gas and particles.
Respirators are "rated" for what they will filter out. Specific sizes of
particles or specific gases.
Rating for masks which filter "particles" (dust) to different levels...
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part /
For example, "N95" Masks...
http://filtera.stores.yahoo.net/3mn95parres.html
These masks filter out gases...
(Specific cartridge for specific gas...)
http://www.websoft-solutions.net/AO_Safety_s/211.htm
A well-fitting respirator that uses disposable filters works well in
reducing the amount of fine dust. A dust collector near the cutting
source will reduce dust also. There are respirators for chemical
removal, although it is probably more practical ventilation methods
for volatile finishes--a cross breeze using two windows/doors and
window fan works well. Some kinds of wood dust (eg walnut) is worse
than others.
Simple dust mask will do for saw dust but chemicals can require extra
protection. Good ventilation can be the easiest protection from
chemical fumes. Everything you need to know and more in following"
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators /
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