Respirator Info

[Mike Hughes]

Who here wears a respirator when spraying cleaners/strippers on decks, and/or oxalic acid and sealers?

I suppose I am ignorant, for I do not wear one. I am going to start.........but to be honest, I know nothing about them.

Can anyone shed some light as to what the best type of respirator would be for our type of work? Like anything else, I'm sure there are many varieties out there...........

 

[Power Clean]

mike,

i just purchased one myself for $40 from lowes. they had another for about $24 or so. it's a half face mask with the p100 type filters. when i checked into them i was told that the p100 filters(replacable) would give me all the protection i would need. can you use something cheaper??? i do not know! i did check at other supply houses and by looks, they all look the similar for about the same price.

still getting use to breathing with that thing.

oh... make sure you get one that fits correctly.

roy

 

[reedsterstl]

Being an ex medic from the military I have all kinds of surgical masks, but to be honest, I don't wear them other than when I am sanding. I do wear eye protection when applying chemicals.

 

[PUREPOWER]

Mike,

I don't wear them unless I'm using Flood stain strip.
Even when staining it is very rare. And anyway, I can't spit that wad of Copenhagen when I'm wearing one of them!!!

Jordan[sb]

 

[JR Wood]

I have started using them almost always,but sometimes find myself spraying and still getting a lung full.Sodium hydroxide can scar your throat and lungs very quickly.

 

[Tunatussle]

source

Mike, give a call to Ben Grove at Breathe Safe Air
Systems 215 343 4911, tell him Randy gave you the
number.

 

[Aplus]

I use a respirator all the time when applying strippers, and spraying stain. THe one I use is from 3M, and has a charcoal canister as well as white pre-filter pads. If you look on the package, you need to find one that is rated for paint mist, and chemical fumes, not nuisance or dust rating. Mine cost $34 at Home depot, and replacement filter cartridges are $10. When you can start to smell the chemicals thru the respirator, it it time to change the filter cartridge. For me, that is about twice a year.

I did not used to wear a respirator, but I finally decided I don't want to die from lung cancer or brain damage for no good reason. I cannot imagine applying Wohlmans or similar stripper without it.

My two cents worth.

Tony

 

[Deck Works]

I buy disposable ones at Menards.....cover your mouth and nose....use for when Im spraying with my airless.

John

 

[ron]

deck works if your talking about the DUST MASK type[white with rubber band and metal nose pinch] your not doing very much.
They are what they are DUST masks.
A-Plus has the ones you need.
I have neny faults purepower but im glad tobacco is not one of them. I have friends that use snapple bottles as spitoons.
I can never drink ice tea from a store ever again thanks to them.
I just wish they would go to the pouch things.
So So nasty.

 

[Aplus]

check out www.directsafety.com for your respirator needs.

All you folks who don't use one....you're only kidding yourself.

30 years ago people thought asbestos was safe....now look at the loss of life caused be it.

 

[Mike Hughes]

Do you use the respirator when spraying only? or also when applying stain by hand?

 

[Aplus]

Mike,

If I'm applying stain by hand, I usually won't wear my respirator.

Probably wouldn't be a bad idea though.

 

[Backbrusher]

I u

 

[Backbrusher]

Sorry bout that.
I did one Wolman strip job without a respirator and never again. They are a pain but you can really feel the difference at the end of the day. I always use them spraying and should when brushing. The tradeoff between sweating and breathing that junk is well worth it. Look into it if you don't-just pretend you are Darth Vader.

 

[sprayandclean]

Respirator Source / info

I started using respirators (different canister for different application) about 2 years ago after a chronic respiratory problem that after many doctor visits I figured out was caused by hot steamy soap fumes.... not even deck treatment fumes...

Anyway, after 1 full year with the right respirator for the applcation I am dont have a sore throat at all times.

I use a 3M respirator with 2 different canisters, one for chlorine gas / acids when I am using sodium hypochlorite, and an organic vapor canister when I am using any deck treatment. I found the best info at www.gemplers.com , a farm supply.

I am a believer in respirators, and I am not bashful about wearing a 'Darth Vader' mask around my customers, most say I am smart to be so cautious... I tell them they have no worries, bu I breathe the fumes / odors daily and dont want to take a chance.

If you are interested, National Lung Assoc's site and check out info on "Bleach Asthma", and how the soaps we use can and will trash your throat and lungs.

Good Luck,