The balance between Dust Extraction and PPE

**CMB** · 28th November 2013, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by safari

Until I read this thread I was thinking a CV was good enough. Thick as!! Can you recommend a good P2 or 3 mask please CMB?

Thanks

A CV may be good enough. It comes down to a wide range of factors, the main being personal preference.

It is easy to get caught up in the worst case scenarios no matter what is being discussed. It is also distressing that anyone should fall victim to such a thing. What we should remember though, is that many variables make a worst case scenario. As John mentioned "Total Risk = Time X Exposure Level". Combine this with certain individuals being more susceptible to certain substances than others, poor air quality in general within the work environment, pre-existing health conditions (diagnosed or undiagnosed), etc, and there are a myriad of possible outcomes.

Should an individual choose to take as many precautions as they can, then PPE is always a great starting point. Anyone who has been exposed to OHS should know that PPE is the most critical component of Job Safety Analyses or Safe Work Method Statements.

Regarding respirators, there are many to choose from. I use and half face twin filter P2. I also store it in an air-tight container when not in use. I personally don't think much of disposable masks, but they can be better than nothing at times.

My advice, should you wish to buy a mask, is go to a store that specialises in workplace safety equipment and speak to someone about the nature of the work you do/intend to do as well as your own personal concerns. They will help you make the right decision.

Generally speaking, P rated masks refer to the particle filtering efficiency of a masks. (Of course, this is dependant on how well the masks fits and seals to the face.) This link to good old Wikipedia will help give you a better idea of some of the types available.

Brand is not important. It must however be compliant with AS/NZS 1716:2003 'Respiratory protective devices.' You will also find that different brands feel and fit differently.

Craig

**Timless Timber** · 28th November 2013, 09:47 PM

This is what NOT to do.

You can see dust all up the walls around the door sander / linisher down the back, and all over the floor around the jointer and thickness-er.

In that particular pic its reasonably clean around the panel saw but on kitchen work that would be ankle deep in chipboard dust.

In later years the roof trusses were heavy with dust and spider webs etc.

You can also see just the one dusty... for the whole shop for 20 years!

My old man was frugal about spending a $ - and suckin up dust wasn't high on his priority's list.

Sometimes you have to learn from your mistakes.

**John Samuel** · 29th November 2013, 09:59 AM

It just occurred to me that nasty fumes are another good reason to vent outside. If we are using filters, a lot of those fumes are going to be returned to the shop.

**Timless Timber** · 29th November 2013, 01:15 PM

True John

If you don't work with these man made particle MDF type boards that use UF glues then maybe its not so important - BUT - they are just too affordable and handy so who doesn't use them these days - look at the guys making ducts from it and clearview enclosures etc.

You could die from the fumes - making the clearview enclosure and ducting to keep you alive!

Damned if we do and damned if we don't.

**safari** · 30th November 2013, 10:12 AM

Thanks for the input John and CMB. Probably no reason to get unduly worried about it but I think I will investigate a mask for those times when I am working on the lathe. The whole idea of the CV was to reduce the dust risk as much as possible and do away with bag filters.

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