|
|
 |
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
November 2002 - Invisible Enemies |
| Choosing
the right respirator |
Breathing in wood dust or vapours and mists can be dangerous.
Years of respiratory abuse has left many woodworkers unable
to spend time in their shops. Dust that reaches the lungs is
at least 10 times smaller that the smallest visible particle,
warns Dan Curts and David McPherson, health and safety professionals
specializing in respirators at 3M Canada. In other words, the
dust most likely to hurt you is invisible. Respirators, as opposed
to masks, protect your lungs by sealing tightly to your face.
If it doesn’t seal (because of facial hair, etc.), you
might as well not wear one because while it may protect your
nose and throat particles can slip through the sides of the
mask and penetrate your lungs. Our lineup below shows four examples
of respirators suitable for most home workshop projects.
Before purchasing a respirator, make sure it’s been approved
by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH). Every NIOSH-approved respirator has a stamp or it’s
colour-coded. Here’s our lineup (left to right):
|
 |
[1]
When most people think of dust protection, they picture the
classic white disposable kind. These inexpensive filters are
suitable for protection from dusts that come from sanding, planing
and turning—basic woodworking projects. Modern designs
include an exhalation valve that makes it cooler to wear.
[2]
Elastomeric respirators are equally effective. Attach NIOSH
filters for dust or cartridges for vapours, or double up and
use both at once.
[3]
This full-face respirator is ideal for stripping paint and protecting
your lungs from varnish vapours, harmful solvents and mists.
The clear visor seals to your face and provides additional eye
and face protection.
[4]
This sci-fi mask contraption is actually a powered air purifier
complete with a helmet, face shield (or visor), battery unit
and powered filter that projects cool, fresh air into the helmet,
ideal for someone suffering from asthma or emphysema who is
unable to draw enough air through classic respirators. And because
it surrounds your entire face, it is the only safe choice for
people with facial hair. An added bonus: the mask never fogs
up.
—Jay
Somerset, photo by Daniel Harrison
|
|
|
|
|
| FREE
NEWSLETTER |
Subscribe to our newsletter. Every few weeks, you'll get a behind-the-scenes
peek at the magazine, the web site and the folks who put it all together.
CLICK HERE |
|
|
PROJECTS
