One Tough Pressure 580 Report post Posted April 19, 2003 I hear that some people frown upon downstreaming Sodium Hydroxide based cleaners. I have down and upstreamed both Sodium and Potassium based Hydroxides with no ill effects on myself or equipment. Would like to know what problems can occur when doing this, and the reason for concern. What is the preferrred method for applying? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul B. 523 Report post Posted April 19, 2003 I would think that any time that one sprays chemicals (especially contractors that do it on a regular basis) a respirator would be the wisest investment for your health. Chemical mist will get into your lungs. Wind can stir the mist also. Some chemicals have short-term and others have long-term effects. Every person reacts differently to chemical exposure. Just because you are not seeing short term effects does not mean that your internal organs are not being damaged (kidneys, liver, heart, and brain, etc.). The disadvantage I would see with down-streaming is the use of high(er) pressure then a pump-up or Shur-flo system which has an impact on the way some chemicals react with certain substrates. Example: acid should be applied with no more than 60 psi pressure to keep it from penetrating too deep into the surface. Remamber: "Safety First and Make It Last!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
One Tough Pressure 580 Report post Posted April 19, 2003 Thank you Paul! I have not up or down streamed acid, I use a pump up or garden watering can to apply it. As far as the respirator, I will add that to my Field trip list. I do wear eye protection and ear protection, but admit I was lacking in the Lung protection, and having Asthma, I should of known better. Thank you again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ParadiseProWash 14 Report post Posted June 1, 2003 For all you guys using a pump up sprayer for Sodium Hydroxide based products let me let you in on a little secret. I just got a new pump up from Sears after returning one that was in warranty and it has a lable on the pump up that reads NEVER SPRAY FLAMMABLE MATERIALS OR PRESSURE AND GAS PRODUCING CHEMICALS SUCH AS SODIUM HYDROXIDE THROUGH THIS SPRAYER. Well I guess your down to a Shur Flo or Flo Jet. I personally use my X-Jet to spray these chems however with all the contraversy on this topic I thought I would let you know what I just read on a brand new Pump UP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aplus 525 Report post Posted June 1, 2003 It is true those statements are included on most pump sprayers. The issue is not whether the device is capable of spraying certain chems, but rather the liability issue of doing it. If you dress and equip yourself properly, you can greatly reduce the risk of personal injury during their use. In fact pump sprayers and their use can be downright safe if certain care and procedures are always followed. The problem is that many consumers won't follow the proper procedures, and will end up injuring themselves, then trying to sue the manufacturers for their stupidity. I've seen people smoking while gassing their cars, so I can't picture it would be any different while spraying any number of caustics, solvents, and what not. I'm not saying to anybody that it is safe to spray certain chems with a pump up that says not to. Just be equipped for safety if you make that decision. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted June 1, 2003 Rod uses a shurflow alot too. He likes that better than a pump up, but some situations don't allow for it's use. Many of the homes around here have poor outdoor electricity on the new models... We had a huge strip job recently (large fence and little deck the one with Warm Honey Gold) that we could not use electricity on. Very frustrating. Had to use pump ups for everything. The homeowner said the electricity never has been right for outdoor use. Beth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aplus 525 Report post Posted June 2, 2003 That's why I like the 12v shurflow system. Never have to worry about electricity onsite. I keep a battery charger in the trailer in case I forget to charge the battery. I also have two pump up sprayers in each trailer for back up purposes. I try to be redundant in as many areas as I can so not to be down on a job. Actually, on single story homes, I like to apply gutter cleaner via a pump up, because it is faster and more economical. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted June 2, 2003 Yeah, the battery system is on Rod's wish list.... lol... :) I'm sure it won't be long. Beth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dale 16 Report post Posted June 2, 2003 How3 about a power inverter and run it off your vehicle? then you'd have power for small power tools too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jon 533 Report post Posted June 3, 2003 Beth why not buy a 4000 watt generator for the rig? I use Shur-Flo pumps for all jobs requiring chemicals and find I can control where I want to spray much better then down or up steam. When mixing I always wear eye protection over my glasses and a face filter made to filter out powder chemicals. Before buying any face mask read labels, they are not all created equal. And if you have a beard as I do be darn sure it fits tight or it is useless. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douglas Hicks 128 Report post Posted June 3, 2003 Tell about your respirator, and how well does it fit around the hairy face? When I was a firefighter, we could not have beards because the SCBA mask did not seal. My first day on duty, I shaved my beard. My youngest child just stood and stared and refused to give me a kiss as she had never seen me w/o whiskers. One reason I do not use a mask now is because of my beard. Douglas Hicks General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ron p 500 Report post Posted June 3, 2003 firefighter's now have ''positive pressure mask's'' so leakage is far less of a problem. As for JON, that's not a beard, it's a HEMPA FILTER. LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jon 533 Report post Posted June 3, 2003 I can't wait for the day Ron P. and I meet;) Douglas it is not a perfect fit in the way you are talking, I pull the straps tight. Also my beard is not big and long as you can see in my picture, it is short and trim so that helps a lot. Shave it off, NO WAY, I grow this way way back when my former employer said NO BEARDS. (around 1970ish) Has double filters straps, above and below rather then a single strap holding it on. That is how I am able to tighten it well and not breath in the powder. The face mask cost around $30 from Home Depot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RAJD 14 Report post Posted June 3, 2003 JON The way your post reads. It sounds like you bought your beard at Home depot. You would think for 30 bucks you could have gotten a bigger one! :D Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the_GUNN_man 14 Report post Posted June 4, 2003 I thought the same thing to when I first read it. It does sound like he meant he bought his beard at Home Depot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aplus 525 Report post Posted June 4, 2003 At one of the local HD, in the area where the sliding doors are and you exit, there is a small vendor that sells hotdogs, chips, and soda. Imagine if there were a booth setup where you could buy beards. What a country. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted June 4, 2003 Well.... in a way, there is. You can go in for implants, or you can get laser to remove it.... Heck, you can go to the mall to get laser surgery on your eyes. Kinda scarry that.... Beth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jon 533 Report post Posted June 4, 2003 I just cannot win! It has been corrected.:confused: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
