vince pitelka on thu 8 feb 01
> Hello, Our guild has just installed a spray both. We need to know what to
> ask for when we buy a repirator, or the criterea. Good for what size
> particles? Some of the members say those little white dust masks are
> adequate, but I have my doubts. Expense is a factor and I don`t know how
> much it will be used, but personally, I would rather err on the safe side.
Lela -
I don't get this. Surely all your guild members have good dust masks.
Anyone involved in ceramics at any level should have a good dustmask capable
of removing sub-micron particulates. The dustmask should be purchased to
fit the face of the user. Lab Safety Supply has excellent dust masks. You
can find them on the web. They aren't that expensive, especially when
considering the alternative. And you should never have multiple people
sharing a single dust, because of the risk of sharing colds, flue, etc.
Best wishes -
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Crafts
Tennessee Technological University
1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville TN 37166
Home - vpitelka@dtccom.net
615/597-5376
Work - wpitelka@tntech.edu
615/597-6801 ext. 111, fax 615/597-6803
http://www.craftcenter.tntech.edu/
Snail Scott on thu 8 feb 01
At 10:19 PM 2/8/01 -0000, you wrote:
>Hello, Our guild has just installed a spray both. We need to know what to
>ask for when we buy a repirator, or the criterea. Good for what size
>particles? Some of the members say those little white dust masks are
>adequate, but I have my doubts. Expense is a factor and I don`t know how
>much it will be used, but personally, I would rather err on the safe side.
>Figured I`d ask those who might know what they are talking about. Any
>advice? Lela
In my opinion, any mask that says "dust and mist"
is good enough for spraying. It won't stop kiln
fumes, but that's not what you were asking, anyway.
The little paper masks are indeed OK, in terms of
their substance...their shortcoming is usually
the inadequate fit, especially around the nose.
When you put on a filter mask, you make it more
difficult for the air to get to your nose. This is
usually not very noticeable to you, but the air
molecules notice. They will look for any easier way
to get to your nose when you inhale, and a gap in
the mask is the easiest way. It may seem like a
tiny gap, but that's how most of the air will
actually get in - around, not through, the mask.
Get the better grade of paper mask, with two straps,
and a moldable metal strip across the nose. These are
disposable, but fairly economical in the big packages.
Or, give everyone their own, and have them keep it.
They will last for multiple uses.
I hate sharing a respirator. Don't expect anyone else
to like it either. They smell like bad breath and get
sweat-sticky and gross. Go disposable, and let anyone
who wants to, buy their own 'high-grade' permanent
one.
You don't really need a serious, rubber, replaceable-
cartridge type. You need to get basic masks that are
comfortable enough for people to actually use without
annoyance. If they fit poorly, they're almost as bad
as no mask at all, and if they're uncomfortable no
one will wear them. (Avoid those really cheap ones.
They're really awful to use, and never fit anyone.)
-Snail
lela martens on thu 8 feb 01
Hello, Our guild has just installed a spray both. We need to know what to
ask for when we buy a repirator, or the criterea. Good for what size
particles? Some of the members say those little white dust masks are
adequate, but I have my doubts. Expense is a factor and I don`t know how
much it will be used, but personally, I would rather err on the safe side.
Figured I`d ask those who might know what they are talking about. Any
advice? Lela
_________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.
Paul Bailey / Janet Moe on fri 9 feb 01
Hi Lela,
As others have said I would recommend getting your own respirator. There are
many different brands to choose from and they don't cost all that much considering
that they last for a very long time. The filters must be replaced regularly
depending on usage. Check into the price and availability of replacement filters
when choosing as over time you will spend more money on filters than the original
cost of the mask. By buying your own personal respirator you can buy one that fits
you and be responsible for keeping it clean and in good shape. You will also have
it wherever and whenever you need it.
The problem with the disposable dust masks is it is almost impossible to get a
tight fit. They do not provide a seal between your face and the mask and therefore
air can enter around the mask.
Janet who only got a light dusting of snow on the BC coast, Boo Hoo!
Paul Taylor on sat 10 feb 01
Dear lela
If you are spraying once in your life those disposable masks will do. If
you are spraying more than once you need a better mask still disposable but
they are molded to fit the whole lower face. I get mine from my local
farmers co-op they are the cheapest for the quality. They are designed to
keep out the particles from dried hay and grains they are also designed for
the finest dust. They are cheap because that's agriculture, non farmers seem
to be prepared to pay double for the same specifications - make sure you get
the best there will be several standards.
I am quite amazed how dirty the outside of the mask gets.
There is a suspicion that - like every thing- some are more prone to
siliceouses than others, so do look after your self and buy your own.
You will find some very cautious people on this list that worry about
every possible hazard, to the pinpoint where you can loose a sense of
proportion. Silica dust is very high on the list of dangerous substances
and while I may laugh at the toxins paranoia that panics this list - a sort
of twenty first century version of reds under the bed - I always wear a
mask: packing or unpacking the kiln, spaying, weighing up glaze materials
and sweeping the workshop at the end of the day.
Regards from Paul Taylor
http://www.anu.ie/westportpottery
Alchemy is the proof that economics is not a science.
> From: lela martens
> Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 22:19:06 -0000
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: spray glazing protection
>
> Hello, Our guild has just installed a spray both. We need to know what to
> ask for when we buy a repirator, or the criterea. Good for what size
> particles? Some of the members say those little white dust masks are
> adequate, but I have my doubts. Expense is a factor and I don`t know how
> much it will be used, but personally, I would rather err on the safe side.
> Figured I`d ask those who might know what they are talking about. Any
> advice? Lela
Ron Roy on sun 11 feb 01
Hi Lela,
You are right to ask about particle size - the mask has to stop those
particular size silica crystals that are the problem. I can't find the size
to tell you what to look for but what you need is a mine approved filtering
system. This still lets all that fine silica dust land on you so you take
it with you when you leave.
Better to have a good ventilation system that draws all dust away from you
and puts it outside.
Wouls someone please post the particular size of silica dust that can give
us silicosis - thanks.
RR
>At 10:19 PM 2/8/01 -0000, you wrote:
>>Hello, Our guild has just installed a spray both. We need to know what to
>>ask for when we buy a repirator, or the criterea. Good for what size
>>particles? Some of the members say those little white dust masks are
>>adequate, but I have my doubts. Expense is a factor and I don`t know how
>>much it will be used, but personally, I would rather err on the safe side.
>>Figured I`d ask those who might know what they are talking about. Any
>>advice? Lela
Ron Roy
RR# 4
15084 Little Lake Rd..
Brighton,
Ontario, Canada
KOK 1H0
Residence 613-475-9544
Studio 613-475-3715
Fax 613-475-3513
Dannon Rhudy on sun 11 feb 01
you should never have multiple people
>sharing a single dust, ......
Er, umm, I certainly agree.
because of the risk of sharing ...flue,......
It is sometimes possible to share flue(s), especially with back-to-back
fireplaces or stoves sharing a dividing wall.
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