Where do I get decent dust masks?

[dudders]

I always used to use those lightweight aluminium thingies, to which you could clip a cotton pad and held in place with the usual elastic around the head. They were great because they could be formed around the face to give a snug fit and kept out all the dust. Now they're not around anymore - at least I can't find them - and all there seems to be are those useless sort of fabric cups that let dust in all round. I'm wood-planing a lot at the moment and find that even wood chips get into the filter. Might as well not be wearing the thing at all, and I don't fancy wearing a rubber gas mask just for dust. Any recommendations out there?

 

[Steevo]

I like the 3M blue ones. About £15 each but much more robust and don’t leak around the edges.

 

[Highland Mule]

PPE should be last resort, so get your dust extraction systems up to scratch first.
After that, get the best performance system you can - probably a positive air pressure mask with a separate filter away from your face. Don’t skimp - you only have one set of lungs and far too many people are dying from work related respiratory conditions.

 

[davidroberts30]

Do you have a beard /stubble?

 

[Bury the Trash]

i do a lot of stick welding, outdoors a lot of the time but does anyone use just decent fan blowing over the welding area? or a a proper extractor fan and duct the only way to go... them air helmets would break on me ir i give stuff a hard life

 

[Tomr10]

Try rs

 

[TripleSix]

Treat yourself to a JSP powercap.

A marvellous device.

 

[David.]

Trend AIR/PRO Airshield Pro Powered Respirator

Trend TREAIRPRO Air/Pro Airshield Pro Powered Respirator

www.ffx.co.uk

These are good at the price, much better than masks.

 

[TrickyT]

PPE should be last resort, so get your dust extraction systems up to scratch first.
After that, get the best performance system you can - probably a positive air pressure mask with a separate filter away from your face. Don’t skimp - you only have one set of lungs and far too many people are dying from work related respiratory conditions.

Best advice that you can give.

I work in H&S so probably understand that there are more risks that people think with respiratory issues.

You don't say if this is your main activity or just occasional usage.

If its a main activity, then a powered hood as mentioned should be used. If its occasional usage, then a disposable half mask will be sufficient.

We use this in our industry. Reasonably priced with a 'press to check' facility to ensure that you have a good fit.

https://www.jspsafety.com/link/en/respiratory-protection/force-8-half-masks-and-filters/c/

Obviously, they only work if you wear them and facial hair is a definite 'no no'!

Trevor

 

[Niall310]

Best advice that you can give.

I work in H&S so probably understand that there are more risks that people think with respiratory issues.

You don't say if this is your main activity or just occasional usage.

If its a main activity, then a powered hood as mentioned should be used. If its occasional usage, then a disposable half mask will be sufficient.

We use this in our industry. Reasonably priced with a 'press to check' facility to ensure that you have a good fit.

https://www.jspsafety.com/link/en/respiratory-protection/force-8-half-masks-and-filters/c/

Obviously, they only work if you wear them and facial hair is a definite 'no no'!

Trevor

Would this set up be sufficient for particles from angle grinding, cutting steel and spray painting?

All of the above are occasional, it just depends whats going on in the workshop and then of course welding.

 

[Highland Mule]

Would this set up be sufficient for particles from angle grinding, cutting steel and spray painting?

All of the above are occasional, it just depends whats going on in the workshop and then of course welding.

You need to do a proper risk assessment. Spray painting may have a chemical hazard, rather than a particulate one - filters won’t help with that!

I’ve written before: get the local extraction sorted first, and only use PPE/ RPE if you need it afterwards.

HSE have some good advice on their website too, so do a search there (iirc welding needs extraction/ ventilation).

 

[Niall310]

You need to do a proper risk assessment. Spray painting may have a chemical hazard, rather than a particulate one - filters won’t help with that!

I’ve written before: get the local extraction sorted first, and only use PPE/ RPE if you need it afterwards.

HSE have some good advice on their website too, so do a search there (iirc welding needs extraction/ ventilation).

cheers! I'll go have a look!

 

[Northdowns Martin]

I like the range from Spaldings. Coloured coded for different levels of protection and fold flat so can put in overall pocket when not needed.

 

[beltie2001]

Would this set up be sufficient for particles from angle grinding, cutting steel and spray painting?

All of the above are occasional, it just depends whats going on in the workshop and then of course welding.

The CleanSpace is sufficient for all the particles mentioned, we do a load of different filters to suit all different needs,
https://www.engineeringutilities.com/products/powered-respirators/cleanspace2tm.html

 

[dudders]

Thanks for the responses - I got a Powercap, and am well-impressed. I thought it would be heavy, but it's actually pretty light and I don't notice the weight. Being cordless (the motor, that is), I can move around unhindered, and I can't fog up the faceshield if I try. The only downside so far is that wearing earmuffs amplifies the sound of the motor. I'll try plugs instead. Very interesting to see now how much dust is flying about the other side of the faceshield - never noticed that before when I was immersed in the stuff. Recommended.