Respirators

[One Tough Pressure 580]

I have overlooked a safety item in my bag of tricks, a Respirator. I would like to hear what type others are using, so I can begin to see what I need to look for. Any and all comments are welcome.

Thank you.

[ParadiseProWash 14]

You can get them fairly cheap. I dont know if Beth sells them or not you might want to ask her.

[Paul B. 523]

There are several brands and types available 3M, North and AOSafety are 3 that come to mind. My recommendation would be a half-face mask and the appropriate cartridges for the materials you are applying. Most vendors are helpful in selecting filter cartridges. You can order thru the internet or your local paint store (like Sherwin Williams) can take care of your needs. www.DirectSafety.com or www.SafetyPlus.com are a couple among the host of vendors that can supply these masks.

[One Tough Pressure 580]

Thanks Paul, I think I would be better off going to a store and getting some live help, since I am new to these. After I know exactly what I need and like, then I can go online for the deals.

[Aplus 525]

OTP,

I use 3M respirators. I like the fit, and feel, as well as the broad selection of cartridges available.

If you go to HD or Lowes, or a paint store, you will likely find respirators that are outfitted for paint mist, which is not appropriate for what we do. Also, those stores often do not stock the correct cartridges.

I buy all my safety supplies from Direct Safety, as Paul mentioned above.

OK...I just went out in the garage and looked at my supplies, and here is what I use....

3M 7503 Half Face Silicon Mask

3M 6006 Multi Gas/Vapor Cartridges

3M N95 Prefilter Pads

3M N95 Retainers

I also use individually packaged alcohol based wipes to clean the facepiece each time I use it. Direct Safety sells a box of 100 that is very conveniant.

Also, every couple weeks, I remove the cartridges, and wash the mask in a pail of warm soapy water. I use an antibiotic hand soap, and it makes a nice sudsy water to clean your mask in.

Does this help?

[One Tough Pressure 580]

Thank you Tony and Paul for the valuable info.

[reed 500]

ONe of my best purchases this year, was a 20.00 full face shield picked up from a tool shop.

Reed

[beyoungsr 14]

OTP,

I use 3-M half face. Clean like Tony. Store the respirator in a 1 gallon zip lock bag.

Each mask is identified with the users name.

Change inorganic cartridges when you can start smelling the chem. in the mask.