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Sun Jun 29, 2008 2:31 pm

I am in the process of a body-off "pan revival". I am using a pressure blaster in a enclosed portion of my garage(4mil plastic sheeting nailed undr firring strips which are nailed to bottom of roof joists). I am using Clarke Garnet media(from Tractor Supply). I have blasted for only one session so far, and I was wearing a typical respirator, ( craftsman w/screw-on replaceable filter cartridges), the very one I use all the time when I am spraying all sorts of deadly stuff I encounter as an aircraft mechanic/painter. Now I was a little concerned when upon finishing this single blasting session, that I was still digging out rusty blackened boogers! I figured maybe a new set of cartridges were in order, in fact I was going to get another mask too, and dedicate it to this project. So I went shopping. I went to Home Depot,Tractor Supply, Sears, and Menards ( regional Hardware Store), and whenever I read the fine print on the packaging, it listed under "What not to use this product for", Abrasive or sandblasting! Now I know all about Silicosis, and sand. But is this legalese for "we are not liable" or what? Am I overlooking the proper filtration system? And please, please don't tell me I have to invest another $500.00 for a fresh air breathing aparatus! Help! :shock: :shock: :shock:

Sun Jun 29, 2008 3:34 pm

wow :shock:

all I used was a paper mask

I'm fine

my lungs still feel ok

check this out

http://cspoutdoors.stores.yahoo.net/resbanscar.html

Tue Jul 01, 2008 7:09 am

Wow! That looks kinda cool. Stylish and about half the price of those respirators I have been pricing. Thanks Jacob.

Tue Jul 01, 2008 9:57 am

jacobjordan24 wrote: wow :shock:

all I used was a paper mask

I'm fine

my lungs still feel ok

check this out

http://cspoutdoors.stores.yahoo.net/resbanscar.html

Does a paper filter or that rag offer enough protection?
I'm not an expert at all but just find that hard to believe..

Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:16 am

Any N95 rated dust mask should do just fine. They are very inexpensive. Get one with the aluminum clip across the bridge of the nose. The aluminum allows you to bend the top of the mask to fit your nose. You'll find that masks with an exhalation valve make it easier to breath and are less likely to fog your goggles.

Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:29 am

I believe it was the one with the exhaust valve that I looked at @ Home Depot. The front of the package said it was for dust i.e. sawdust, filing sanding etc. But when I turned the package over it said under "Do not use this mask for...", Abrasive or Sandblasting. And that is why I was posing the question here.

Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:48 pm

You asked about media blasting. A N95 disposible (P100 if you can find it) should be enough. You should not use an N95 mask with sand.
http://www.aearo.com/pdf/silica_asbestos.pdf

You were experiencing rusty snot because A. Your respirator was not fitted properly or B. The respirator cartridge was rated for mist and vapor and not against dust (N95 or P100).

OSHA is now saying that the disposible masks do a better job than the cartridge type respirators
http://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/page.php?pid=71&PHPSESSID=2ef66f7d4d0769314c25b9db03e65690

The unfortunate part is that no one will risk recomending anything other than a full face outside air respirator because neither you nor they can say what the hazard ratio (amount of dust per cubic meter) is for your application.

One more thing... Vent your enclosure. Get rid of the dust before you get the chance to inhale it.

Tue Jul 01, 2008 5:00 pm

Thanks, I do have one end of my makeshift booth open along one edge with the plastic at the corner "dog-eared" open with a spring clamp, and a box fan exhausting the dust out the front of the garage. I will pickup a couple of the disposable masks and try those out. And I was not and will not use sand. I was aware of the Silicosis from my last Bus resto back in 1980.

Fri Jul 11, 2008 12:49 am

markostephano wrote: Thanks, I do have one end of my makeshift booth open along one edge with the plastic at the corner "dog-eared" open with a spring clamp, and a box fan exhausting the dust out the front of the garage. I will pickup a couple of the disposable masks and try those out. And I was not and will not use sand. I was aware of the Silicosis from my last Bus resto back in 1980.

You might want to beware of exhausting the dust outside, it depends where you are at, but the EPA has very strict laws about that stuff floating around without it going into a dust collector. If you are stripping and old car 40+ yrs or older, the paint could have lead in it, this is very dangerous for you and the enviorment.
I would recomend some kind of fresh air hood,that you can afford. I wouldn't skimp on proper breathing aparatus. The particles are so fine, you need something that catches this stuff or your nose hairs and lungs will remind you a long time after the job is over. My .02cent
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