HuntingHuron
starting to shine!
Member since October 2020
Posts: 39
|
Post by HuntingHuron on Jul 9, 2021 9:07:53 GMT -5
I'm about to get a tile saw for trimming. I've seen the discussion about whether or not an N95 mask is acceptable, as opposed to a respirator. Just wondering, for those who have chosen to go the respirator route. Did you get it fit tested? I was just going to order the mask and associated pieces on Amazon, but wondered if I should go through a company that does the testing instead. is it necessary to go to that extent ?
|
|
Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,709
|
Post by Fossilman on Jul 9, 2021 12:52:00 GMT -5
I just ordered two respirators on Amazon last year.... I just read the reviews and went from there.. Lungs are life!
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Jul 9, 2021 16:23:01 GMT -5
Two things: 1. An N-95 mask IS a respirator 2. For most materials, you will not need a respirator if you are cutting wet.
If you do choose to go that route, or have questions, LMK, and I'll be happy to answer them/walk you through -- including a basic fit test. I'm a Safety Specialist for my work, and Respiratory Protection is a big part of that.
One thing to consider: I live and work in California, where the rules are STRICT. If Cal/OSHA does not require the wearing of respirator when cutting stone/concrete wet, chances are pretty good that you're safe without it. ASgain, though, if you want peace of mind, reach out.
|
|
|
Post by amygdule on Jul 9, 2021 17:07:39 GMT -5
My $0.03
Even if you cut and grind with water The mist still contains rock dust I still wear a mask
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Jul 9, 2021 17:46:14 GMT -5
My $0.03 Even if you cut and grind with water The mist still contains rock dust I still wear a mask Unfortunately, that beard growth prevents it from actually doing anything. I've done both qualitative and quantitative tests on people that prove this. For a respirator to be effective, you need to be clean-shaven. 5 o'clock shadow is too much. Also, the single strap dust masks are for nuisance dusts only. They do not provide any appreciable protection from the pm2.5 or pm10 particles, which would be the actual hazard.
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Jul 9, 2021 18:03:05 GMT -5
I use a 4” trim saw to prep for cabs. I always use water. When I look at the water and see all the dust in it, I think that is what would be in my lungs if I weren’t wearing a mask. So I wear a mask.
|
|
|
Post by amygdule on Jul 9, 2021 18:43:57 GMT -5
I use a 4” trim saw to prep for cabs. I always use water. When I look at the water and see all the dust in it, I think that is what would be in my lungs if I weren’t wearing a mask. So I wear a mask. Did you shave first So you can prevent all of those particles from coming in ?
|
|
HuntingHuron
starting to shine!
Member since October 2020
Posts: 39
|
Post by HuntingHuron on Jul 9, 2021 19:03:32 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Jul 9, 2021 19:10:58 GMT -5
I use a 4” trim saw to prep for cabs. I always use water. When I look at the water and see all the dust in it, I think that is what would be in my lungs if I weren’t wearing a mask. So I wear a mask. Did you shave first So you can prevent all of those particles from coming in ? Apparently!! No particles here….🥸
|
|
|
Post by perkins17 on Jul 9, 2021 19:22:44 GMT -5
I would be cutting wet but I was wondering if you still have to wear a respirator. If so, is a kn-95 a suitable option? Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Jul 9, 2021 20:42:38 GMT -5
More later, but briefly some info on coding N/KN are the same thing; KN just come from China The number (95, 99 or 100) represents the % protection from pm2.5 particles N = Not oil resistant R = Oil Resistant P = Oil proof
Typically cartridge respirators are R100 or P100 (actually 99.7% protection), and disposable respirators are 95 or 99. Disposable respirators are real respirators, as far as OSHA is concerned
Fibrous masks made of blown poly-propylene are considered single use, but since you're not after infection control, and you are just considering an "extra step" of protection against a minimal risk, you could probably reuse once or twice, assuming you let it dry properly and prevent microbial growth.
More later. Homeward bound. It's gonna be a hot bike ride. Only 106 now, compared to 111 earlier.
|
|
|
Post by perkins17 on Jul 9, 2021 22:19:21 GMT -5
Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Jul 9, 2021 22:55:22 GMT -5
If you decide to go the respirator route, lmk, and I’ll help you fit it properly.
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Jul 9, 2021 23:55:39 GMT -5
Let me give folks an idea of the effectiveness of PPE. It is the least effective protective measure — the last line of defense. In industrial hygiene, there is a concept called the Hierarchy of Controls, used to mitigate risk. In order of decreasing effectiveness, they are:
Control Explanation How it relates to lapidary work/other comments Elimination Eliminate the hazard Don’t grind rocks: Pretty much a non-starter for us Substitution. Use a less hazardous alternative. Cab SCJ instead of bumblebee Engineering. Use technology to control the hazard Grind wet, install good general ventilation or install an elephant trunk for ventilation Administrative Modify behavior Set up outside or limit time spent cabbing* PPE Use a barrier to control any residual hazard Respirator, gloves…
*If you look up the SDS for crystalline silica, you will find exposure limits for silica dust, which is only generated when working dry. some terms to know STEL = short time exposure limit (15 minutes) TWA = time-weighted average (8 hours) There are no limits when working wet
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Jul 10, 2021 0:06:52 GMT -5
|
|
quartzilla
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2020
Posts: 1,237
|
Post by quartzilla on Jul 10, 2021 10:32:37 GMT -5
That’s freaking hilarious and so true! I’m stealing your pic and sharing it ( with permission. Of course )!
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Jul 10, 2021 12:53:27 GMT -5
That’s freaking hilarious and so true! I’m stealing your pic and sharing it ( with permission. Of course )! It’s not mine. If you like this, also google “osha Santa Claus.”
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Jul 10, 2021 13:07:48 GMT -5
I use a 4” trim saw to prep for cabs. I always use water. When I look at the water and see all the dust in it, I think that is what would be in my lungs if I weren’t wearing a mask. So I wear a mask. The water makes the particles non-respirable. The fact that they are larger, by virtue of being encased in water droplets makes them unable to travel far, or stay airborne. The very few that might enter your mouth and nose would not make it to your lungs. The vast majority stays in the pan, showing the water is doing its job.
|
|
kyoti
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2020
Posts: 542
|
Post by kyoti on Jul 10, 2021 18:05:10 GMT -5
Thanks for all the great info and the hilarious cowboy. We have similar pictured at work. I was surprised to hear the 3m masks were one use. I had no idea and re-used mine when I use the tile saw unless it gets splashed. I try to cut with the saw facing away from me with the wind at my back. I hate getting all slurried. I 'll have to see if the fitted rubber ones with the cartridges are avail again.
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Jul 10, 2021 20:24:08 GMT -5
Thanks for all the great info and the hilarious cowboy. We have similar pictured at work. I was surprised to hear the 3m masks were one use. I had no idea and re-used mine when I use the tile saw unless it gets splashed. I try to cut with the saw facing away from me with the wind at my back. I hate getting all slurried. I 'll have to see if the fitted rubber ones with the cartridges are avail again. Like I said, for this purpose, a few reuses is probably ok, since you are mitigating what is most like not to be a hazardous situation. A decent half-face respirator will run you $200-300. If it’s much cheaper, it’s probably counterfeit. A full face will be $500-600. Plus cartridges are $10-20, and also don’t last forever. If they get wet, they are done for. TBH, you might be better off with just a face shield. Especially, since you talk about wind, it sounds like you are working outside, or at least in a well-ventilated place. Your risk is just about zero. Also, keep in mind that respirators (including N-95s) restrict breathing. In the workplace, people are actually required to get physicals and/or lung function tests before being allowed to wear one. Glad you enjoyed the cowboy. He’s a classic.
|
|