Michael Horowitz wrote:
On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 02:59:39 GMT, "Cy Galley"
wrote:


You can also use White masons sand for large projects in the open. Works
very well and doesn't cost very much.




I'm aware of the discussion concerning health and using sand.
If I go shopping for a respirator what qualities should I look for?
I plan on buying one for when I start spraying coatings, but I"m
thinking I"d want something else to keep small sand out of my lungs
- Mike


Sand: Particulate filters/ HEPA

Paints: Organic Vapors + HEPA - MAKE SURE you read the instructions on
the paints and ensure you dont need supplied air. some paints are toxic
and are not stopped by filters. This can be a deadly mistake.

You should look for one with a wide silicone or soft rubber seal that
fits your face comfortably. You should be clean shaven in the seal area
and do a fit test. You should be able to take a cartridge mask with the
covers still on it (sealed) and be able to hold the mask to your face by
inhaling/suction alone. If not, you have a mask seal leak or a mask
leak. Once you find one that fits and seals well, then you can adjust
the straps to your head and strap it on

One caveat - wearing a respirator increases the work of breathing. If
you are a healthy person, this is a non-issue, but when i performed fit
testing and sprirometry tests on construction workers, we had a handful
who were not able to qualify for wearing a respirator in dangerous
environments continuously. Some were limited to 2 hrs/day and others
were limited to escape use only. These guys were bad smokers or had
heart conditions. I'm guessing its not as pertinent if you can hold a
3rd class or better FAA medical.