Respirator Advice

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Looking for some advice on a cheap respirator to fit under my Jackson passive hood. I weld in confined spaces usually thru paint and or caulk and have been dealing with the fumes altho sometimes running out choking. In this case I believe just a $25 cartridge half mask will work but soon I have to start welding galvanized in the same conditions and am worried that cartridge isnt going to stop the galvanized fumes. On the other hand Im not paying $1000+ for a powered air purifier. Any suggestions on what will work best for under $100 preferably?
Reply:Highly recommend the 3M 7502.[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqG4CHJWfrU[/ame][Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Originally Posted by LanseHighly recommend the 3M 7502.]
Reply:BTW I have a full beard.. finding that may be a problem but I aint shavin! lol
Reply:If you are welding in galv in a confined space and refuse to shave the beard then either a supplied air helmet or a PAPR are your only real options.  Is it a large job?
Reply:Yup...PAPR is the only way to go there.  On the plus side, it cools you off too (I use them in the medical field...anyone with beards gets fitted for PAPR, not a regular N95 mask.Also, remember that there isn't any sort of "filter mask" which can add oxygen to the air.  Your filter may be taking bad stuff out, but if you are in a confined space and there isn't enough oxygen, you need to follow confined space protocols.Sounds like your company needs to have a discussion with OSHA, if they do not know how to protect you from the common hazards on your jobsite.  If they won't, or can't, do the right things to protect you, you may be better off taking your self, and your health, to another company.Take care of yourself...once you blow this set of lungs, there aren't a lot of pleasant options left in life.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Well it is a big job but only short welds. The space is 6ft by 10ft (jail cells) Theres 2 beads ran about 6 inches long each and right at the ceiling/wall corner then I move on to the next cell. So exposure wont be long but I will be right in the smoke being so close to the ceiling. Right now for welding thru the paint I just use a dust mask and thats good enough to keep me from choking like I used to. The company is good people its just policy that we have to provide our own PPE. And i have some time befor I get to the galv part of the project (weeks if not months) so its not like they are just throwing me in without warning. thanks for the comments and help!
Reply:If you are working for a U.S. company, then it is FEDERAL POLICY that your employer will provide you with the correct PPE (that's an OSHA regulation) (including fit tests for appropriate respirators).  I go through a LOT of PPE EVERY day (I work in a hospital) and EVERY piece of PPE is provided by the company.  I throw away gloves like most people breathe (all day long, without thinking about it--I wouldn't be surprised if I go through a box or a-box-and-a-half of nitrile gloves every day).  It's a rare day that I don't throw away a couple of N95 masks, after using them just once or twice (in an E.R....patients aren't there long).Your masks should last longer (I use my own N95 masks in my shop for grinding aluminum...they last up to 8 hours of use), but they SHOULD be provided by your employer._____Here is the applicable OSHA Guideline (pulled from their welding section):http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owad...ARDS&p_id=97771910.132(h)    Payment for protective equipment.1910.132(h)(1)    Except as provided by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.1910.132(h)(2)    The employer is not required to pay for non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe shoes or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job-site.1910.132(h)(3)    When the employer provides metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to reimburse the employee for the shoes or boots.1910.132(h)(4)    The employer is not required to pay for:1910.132(h)(4)(i)    The logging boots required by 29 CFR 1910.266(d)(1)(v);1910.132(h)(4)(ii)    Everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or1910.132(h)(4)(iii)    Ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen.1910.132(h)(5)    The employer must pay for replacement PPE, except when the employee has lost or intentionally damaged the PPE.1910.132(h)(6)    Where an employee provides adequate protective equipment he or she owns pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer may allow the employee to use it and is not required to reimburse the employee for that equipment. The employer shall not require an employee to provide or pay for his or her own PPE, unless the PPE is excepted by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(5) of this section._____I scanned a couple of other guidelines.  Even if you bring your own PPE (i.e. you have your own welding mask), the employer is REQUIRED to do a hazard survey of each work site, determine what PPE is necessary, make sure you know how and when to use it, and any other hazards (like a confined space, where there may not be enough oxygen to support life, even if you have a mask to filter out noxious fumes).If these folks are not willing to protect their employees, they aren't 'good people.'  They are making money with your lungs and leaving you with a lifetime of health issues.  This isn't a matter of 'company policy,' this is Federal Guidelines.  I won't let friends and family work in my personal workshop without providing them with the appropriate PPE.  It is ludicrous to think that your employer might not provide this stuff.  PAPRS are expensive, but years of medical bills and claims could sink his company.It wouldn't hurt for you to contact your local OSHA inspector and ask some questions...see if this guideline relates to you and what you can do to get your employer to comply with the guidelines.I really just want you to take care of yourself.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:3M 8212 N95 Particulate Welding Respirators (cost less than $4 each if you buy a box of 10 on ebay) are made to filter out metal fumes like you would get welding galvanized steel.Not sure they will do much if you have a beard, though.
Reply:I use 3m . tell you boss you want a good one. I think its odd they dont get you one but some companies dont care. the white paper dust mask dont get it done 3m with the pink pancake filters . (if you have to buy one they dont cost that much
Reply:I'm also a beard guy, but i don't think twice about cutting it off when it comes time to wear a respirator for welding or any other type of work. My beard will grow back, but my health won't. Big Jeremy
Reply:Bye bye beard!!
Reply:Very interesting read! I did not know that. I just had an emergency call put in for a piece of galv that needs put in Monday (thats the county jails idea of emergency response lmao) Better go talk to the boss man!
Reply:if you have a goat T you can still pass a fit test. I do it all the time
Reply:Your employer should be paying for the the breathing capacity test at the clinic AND the fit test. The breathing test is an often overlooked but extremely important aspect. Resiprators add to the breathing effort even when clean. The fit test will use an odorant to tell if the mask is sealing. They do come in sizes. One size does not fit all. That's part of the fit test. With a half mask - you WILL have to shave. The hairs on the face prevent the mask from sealing. Some people with facial scars can't wear one either for a lack of seal. If you can't pass those tests the boss will have to give you a gravy job instead! While the paper ones are called respirators, their sealing capabilities around the face are about one step above wearin' nothin'.Up in the corner you will be severly exopsed to the vapors because you're in the "hang area" without a fan to move the vapors.I know from experience (with no mask) welding on Gal at the wall/ceiling area (110-115 degrees) 12 hrs a day for two weeks back in the young and dumb era.  It ain't gonna happen again and the filters will be (3M) P100 - 2091 filter or 60926 cartridge. Gal poisining really sucks and now I can tell someone is heating the stuff up from 50' away. I'm oversensitized to the stuff. I can still weld coated materials but not without the respirator.
Reply:Talked to the boss today. Didnt even have to say anything about him being required.. Just told him I need a mask and he said ok go buy one on the company card. Good deal for me! Thanks for the advice and info!
Reply:So what did you get?SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Did not actually purchase one yet. got off late Friday night.. will post when I do
Reply:Vtwin:  i highly recommend (especially if the boss is footing it) spendign the extra 10 bux or whatever it is and going up to the 3M 7500 series.  the difference between this one and the 6XXX series is the 7500's have a silicone rubber face seal that is SIGNIFICANTLY more comfortable for long duration wear than the entry level 6 series which has a simple rubber seal that is very uncomfortable during long stretches.  I switched and cannot believe the difference in comfort for what its worth. PPE is only good if you are wearing it; so comfort is a key priority for me.
Reply:Knowledge is best, 3M reps will actually come to your place of business and do a fit test for resp. until then, http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...lace_Broch.pdf,  here is 3M info. read it and make a decision based on the facts, not to mention to your boss the liability involved if you do not have the proper OSHA or whatever, info.
Reply:Originally Posted by MartiniVtwin:  i highly recommend (especially if the boss is footing it) spendign the extra 10 bux or whatever it is and going up to the 3M 7500 series.  the difference between this one and the 6XXX series is the 7500's have a silicone rubber face seal that is SIGNIFICANTLY more comfortable for long duration wear than the entry level 6 series which has a simple rubber seal that is very uncomfortable during long stretches.  I switched and cannot believe the difference in comfort for what its worth. PPE is only good if you are wearing it; so comfort is a key priority for me.
Reply:Really think Imma go with the 7502 with the 60926 cartridge. I read alot about each one yall have mentioned and that seems like the best choice I think.. ?
Reply:So i went to get a 7500 with 60926.. Guy said he dont have a 60926 but says he uses a 2091 an he knows it will stop the galv smoke. So I buy it an get in the truck an realize he gave me a 6500 even tho I specifically said I didnt want a 6500. errr  O well it works and I only need it on for 10-15 minutes at a time anyway.
Reply:EXACT same thing happened to me when i picked mine up except i knew i really didnt want the 6 series so luckily i checked before i left.  After using the 6 for a while i encourage you to try out the 7500, im certain you wont ever look back.  it really made that much of a difference to me anyway
Reply:Another thing to be aware of is if you read the fine print (I'm always doing that) an interesting note I found that I havent seen many people take heed of is that the pancake filters are supposed to be removed and stored in an sealed bag if i recall correctly and cant think of ever having seen anyone actually do this.  do any of y'all?O wow good call! I never woulda read that! lol I woulda just thrown the whole deal right into my bag with my hood and gloves an called it a day. the bag they came in is resealable
Reply:Originally Posted by MartiniAnother thing to be aware of is if you read the fine print (I'm always doing that) an interesting note I found that I havent seen many people take heed of is that the pancake filters are supposed to be removed and stored in an sealed bag if i recall correctly and cant think of ever having seen anyone actually do this.  do any of y'all?
Reply:How about like Lysol disinfectant wipes? I mean I realize disinfecting aint really the issue but they should work right?
Reply:Originally Posted by vtwin86How about like Lysol disinfectant wipes? I mean I realize disinfecting aint really the issue but they should work right?
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbayKnowledge is best, 3M reps will actually come to your place of business and do a fit test for resp. until then, http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...lace_Broch.pdf,  here is 3M info. read it and make a decision based on the facts, not to mention to your boss the liability involved if you do not have the proper OSHA or whatever, info.
Reply:I would probably puke from the smell of baby wipes or lysol in my mask, I just put a drop of dish soap in the mask when it gets greasy. The organic vapor cartridges contain activated charcoal or something. If you leave it in the open, the cartridge goes dead quicker, Regular particulate filters aren't so sensitive, I just try to keep them clean.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:lol I was thinking baby wipes and decided to go with lysol haha dish soap would probably be good as long as they dont dry out the rubber or whatever its made of
Reply:I ment to say, I take the cans off, and the straps (the harness pops off my North mask), and rinse it in the sink with a drop of soap. The better ones have a silicone face piece. You could probably bake muffins in them. Just re-reading, did you shave your beard? That mask isn't going to help much if it can't seal.Here's the fit check video: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k_w8HDQPsE[/ame]SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:The 3M 7502 welders kit i brought had a few packets of disinfectant wipes in the kit, the kind you get in aid first aid kit.Probably good to disinfect after sweating and nose dripping in it.
Reply:Aww the beard lol well its not crazy long, Goatee part is but not the jawline. Once I tightend it up I blocked the holes without the filters on and couldnt breath in so figured Im good. I am sure if I let it get much longer it wont work. I could suck alot of air befor getting the straps good and tight.
Reply:Originally Posted by LarryOThe 3M 7502 welders kit i brought had a few packets of disinfectant wipes in the kit, the kind you get in aid first aid kit.Probably good to disinfect after sweating and nose dripping in it.
Reply:They were supplied by 3M as part of the kit.They are also not silicon, they are rubber latex.Last edited by LarryO; 11-06-2012 at 04:59 AM.
Reply:Some folks disinfect everything. I don't like antibacterial soap for daily use, and avoid Purell like the plague. If I know I'll be exposed to something really toxic I shave every morning (I hate shaving, usually only once a week) and use a greasy face cream or even vaseline to ensure a perfect seal. It's made the diference between headache and no headache. Pressing on the mask can give you a good seal, until you let go, removing the cartridges and covering the holes gently is more accurate. Chemical sensitization sucks, and is very hard to reverse.  Stay comfy bro.The Gempler's website says: Facepiece is made from an advanced silicone material to provide a softer feel on the face and help reduce red marks around the nose.Last edited by Brazin; 11-06-2012 at 07:42 AM.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:They do make wipes made for cleaning and dissinfecting PPE and respirators. We buy a lot of them through Viking Supply and Fastenal. Both have a pretty good safety/PPE selection
Reply:Originally Posted by BrazinSome folks disinfect everything. I don't like antibacterial soap for daily use, and avoid Purell like the plague. If I know I'll be exposed to something really toxic I shave every morning (I hate shaving, usually only once a week) and use a greasy face cream or even vaseline to ensure a perfect seal. It's made the diference between headache and no headache. Pressing on the mask can give you a good seal, until you let go, removing the cartridges and covering the holes gently is more accurate. Chemical sensitization sucks, and is very hard to reverse.  Stay comfy bro.The Gempler's website says: Facepiece is made from an advanced silicone material to provide a softer feel on the face and help reduce red marks around the nose.
Reply:Larry:  Up here in Canada the 7500 series are "made from durable silicone"and the 6500's are Thermoplastic Elastomer.. weird I wonder if they have different versions down there   I know 3M is massive and have different product lines for different markets so it wouldnt surprise me.http://solutions.3mcanada.ca/wps/por...beF3RH7CD92Nglhttp://solutions.3mcanada.ca/wps/por...gl87FJB7833Vbl
Reply:Would not supprise me that they change around the globe.I cant even find the 3M 7500 welders kit i brought on their web site.  Came in a bucket with mask, 2 x filters, 2 x ear plugs and 2 x cleaning wipes.
Reply:Originally Posted by ironmangqThey do make wipes made for cleaning and dissinfecting PPE and respirators. We buy a lot of them through Viking Supply and Fastenal. Both have a pretty good safety/PPE selection
Reply:Here's the BC version:SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:I do notice some discomfort on top of my nose but nothing major for the short time I am using the mask. If I had to wear it all day i would be pissed lol Sounds to me like mild soap and water is best no matter what the material of the mask is.
Reply:here's a dumb question from someone who should know better; if you're working around toxic material what difference does it make if you shave or not beforehand??
Reply:Facial hair creates small gaps between the skin and mask. This will allow some of the stuff you're trying not to breath in.NickESAB CaddyTig 2200iPowermax 45MM140 (Sold)
Reply:you learn something new every day. i'm home from work today cause i was too lazy to get my respirator out of my locker to weld something with paint on it. i always have to learn the hard way.
Reply:Quick update for anybody still reading.. I had shaved clean put on my mask for what is normally an everyday weld for me, the ventalation system in this particular cell was not working like it should and I got smoked out. Really really bad. (It was not galv. just paint and security caulk burning) Fire alarms went off, the other cells were filling full of smoke. They had to move the other inmates. I was stuck in all that smoke. Eyes burning and my mask failed horribly! lungs felt like they were on fire, major smoke inhalation. Almost had to go to medical, but they got me in fresh air and I was ok.Point is, the 6500 sucks ***! Realized apon close inspection it wasnt sealing between my nose and cheekbone on the left side. I will never wear a 6500 again! It actually made it worse cause once the smoke came in it was trapped in my mask and not escaping forcing me to breath it all in befor I could get off my scaffolding and remove my hood and mask.. lesson learned.Lead, Certified welder8 yrs Heavy Equipment, Structural, DecorativeMIG TIG ARC Spray Arc, Pulse CS SS Alum.Multimatic 200Millermatic 130Millermatic 210Lincoln Ranger 225Lincoln Invertec V155Harris Torch setHobart Tigwave x2
Reply:You most likely do not have the proper size. Have you also  been trained on how to properly wear one?