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7th July 2016, 08:32 PM #16.
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The issue with significant exposure to MDF is not just the dust but the chemical components, the main one being formaldehyde which is a know carcinogen.
Wood dust has a nominal Australian OHS exposure level based on Oak and Beech of 5 ppm for softwoods and 1 ppm for hardwoods but this does not include MDF which is 0.5 ppm. A new standard of 0.1 ppm has been talked about for some time. No one knows the toxicity of Australian timbers (not enough stats) but if anything they are likely to be worse than oak and beech.
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7th July 2016 08:32 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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7th July 2016, 10:28 PM #17
But surely a P2/P3 particulate filter will trap the formaldehyde? It's not like it turns into a vapour ... so I'm curious why 3M specifically call out working with MDF and recommended one of their disposable masks not a 6000 or 7000 half mask or greater. Maybe because formaldehyde clogs up filters quickly so they're single use?
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7th July 2016, 11:27 PM #18.
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The formaldehyde is most definitely released as a vapour.
Have a read of this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium-density_fibreboard
The more freshly minted, the higher the bit speeds used, the blunter the tool, the finer and warmer the dust, the more formaldehyde outgassed from the MDF.
It is also recommended that ALL exposed MDF surfaces be sealed before being used as furniture as it will continue to outgas for years afterwards.
All organic vapour filters are single or limited use - the organic vapour eventually saturates the absorber and it comes through the filter.
This is where a high volume dust extractor really comes into its own. I can turn/sand a 10" MDF bowl without a face mask with my DC setup. I know I am not being exposed to the vapour because I have monitored the 0.3 micron dust being made during turning and the levels of this very fine dust are the same as the fresh air outside my shed. The finer the dust the more it behaves like a gas. 0.3 micron dust will ride the air currents coming away from a work piece which is the same pathway the formaldehyde will take.
I lost my sense of smell for 6 weeks from working outside for a couple of weeks with MDF in 2002 and I do not want to go through that again. That, coupled with 30 years of research experience in building dust free research labs has give me a very useful background in this area. I was just a bit slow in connecting my day job with the woodwork.
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11th July 2016, 08:34 PM #19
I went through a similar search a few years ago to find a suitable mask or solution whilst respraying a car and found a razor was the only option. However, fast forward to more recent times for woodworking I'll trim the beard, sometimes, and will just crank in the adjustment straps of a half face mask. I did however find another solution on a boating forum that's cheap enough, the Resp o rator. Not sold in Aus I think, but it's got a mouthpiece like a snorkel with two tubes aiming backwards that attach filters. Looks simple enough and light, I just don't know how I'd go with a mouthpiece, let alone keeping it clean.
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11th July 2016, 11:21 PM #20
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13th July 2016, 10:33 PM #21
Holy cow I just saw the price of those. They look and sound excellent but I'd never be able to justify the cost of some of the premium masks like that.
The Resp-o-rator is below. Like I said, pretty simple setup. I was searching for images and saw a couple of custom jobs to imitate them. They cost about $45US but I still haven't found a seller in Oz. I dunno, they just seem like a good cheap alternative.
resporator.jpg
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6th August 2016, 12:30 PM #22
This is not a new issue ....... the truth is simple and straight forward.
For ANY half face respirator or mask to work, anything like effectively, the wearer must be recently clean shaven on the sealing area even a 5 oclock shadow can compromise sealing.... this is OHS gospel and is the truth.
If you want to wear a beard and have even marginally effective breathing protection the only solution is a forced air full face shield.
There is simply no way around this.
If you think you are going to wear a beard with any mask or resirator that requires a seal and get anything like effective protection ...... sorry you are dreaming.
cheersAny thing with sharp teeth eats meat.
Most powertools have sharp teeth.
People are made of meat.
Abrasives can be just as dangerous as a blade.....and 10 times more painfull.
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6th August 2016, 12:35 PM #23
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17th October 2016, 07:38 PM #24
I've noticed a few times lately that when sanding Jarah it's been irritating the inside of my nose. I have a full Ned Kelly type beard, which I've had for 35 odd years, so it's staying. Was thinking of getting one of these https://www.timbecon.com.au/extracti...-dust-mask-kit & was wondering if anyone else with a heavy growth of face fungus has tried them. I think they are the same as the ones Carbatec sell.
I'm working in WA this week & was going to call into Timbecon on my way back to the airport & pick one up if they're any good.
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17th October 2016, 08:37 PM #25Woodworking mechanic
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I only have a goatee but I bought this unit which, although it is not powered, looks a similar setup to the one you are looking at
http://www.protectorsafety.com.au/ap...eated-timbers/
Works well and seems to seal reasonably against the hair (put hands over filters and it activates the one way valves when you breathe in). Not a perfect seal as one would get on a shaven face but is better than nothing.Last edited by Lappa; 17th October 2016 at 08:59 PM. Reason: additional info
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18th October 2016, 07:12 AM #26Senior Member
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I have one of the trend pro powered dust masks and after initial head band breakage it works fine. One thing to keep in mind is the weight of the mask and how comfortable it is to wear for a period of time, if you can try the thing before you buy,is it suitable with glasses etc. good luck
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3rd December 2017, 06:08 AM #27
I have one of these Resp-o-rators. Had it for 5 years and it works extremely well with my full face beard. Does not obstruct vision, I can wear with glasses without them getting fogged up, ear protection doesn't get in the way and the filters are behind you. I replace the filter cartridges roughly every 6 months. I can highly recommend this. I got mine from these people resp-parent.htm
All the best
John (aka shep1)
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3rd December 2017, 06:17 AM #28
I should add that the device is very easy to clean and the filters are readily available from the supplier I mentioned
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8th December 2017, 02:44 PM #29GOLD MEMBER
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Summer time and a full face positive force face shield.......Bliss.
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16th December 2017, 08:30 PM #30GOLD MEMBER
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