Respirator/mask?

I'm looking to purchase I guess a respirator soon, because while I don't break down anything too toxic yet, I feel like it's a good investment for when I start cutting into stuff or tearing out boards, etc, etc. Just a smart thing to do. Thing is, I have no idea what kind of respirator (is that the right thing even? ) to buy. I want something that's a decent quality, not disposable, one with replacement filters, nothing special. Can any of the members of the Scrap Metal Forum here provide some advice? I did a quick search and nothing really caught my eye.

Make sure your investment is OSHA approved for the type of environment your working in.

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/respirator...standards.html

I totally agree. We create more airborne fines as opposed to fumes. Using a particulate filter ,IMO, is totally adequate.

Cartridges, color coded for use, are available also. These filter certain nasty gases/fumes. Unless you generate them, you probably won't need cartridges. Some cartridges are available with disposable pre filters.

Professional grade disposable dust masks aren't bad. You can use them more than once by simply hanging them up and reusing. When "shot", (you'll know cuz breathing becomes labored), get a fresh one. Just my take, I' m not a wasteful type.

In my work, I use a similar mask as above with black (organic vapor) cartridges as well as particulate filters,and disposables.

Visit a safety supply store or a contractors supply store. They will have options and can advise on fitment, etc.

At the very least it is a good idea if you have awful allergies to dust........I picked up some CRT Tv's, and the gentleman I got them from had to be a heavy smoker as there was tobacco scented brown dust caked all over the inside of the CRT and the boards.


PRB

Unless you are grinding or cutting in to the boards, the only dust would be the previous owners house dust and I would think a regular dust mask is ok. If you have pet allergies, then use a mask. I would think also that if they processed meth or crack or something right next to their computer, a dust mask would be ok.

I would think a steel reinforced hazmat suit would be appropriate Hurrikane....



PRD

I just use a small fan, on low, and blow away the particles while I am dismantling things.

I like the "occupational" series 3M respirators they sell at The Home Depot and such. when I was building steel door frames in a factory right next to the painter I pretty much had to get one with the pink p100 disks. I went from feeling like I got kicked in the chest every day to actually being able to breath in that place. now I use it whenever I cut into or weld on something questionable. the pink low-pro disks welders use are more breathable than the painters cartridge but make sure your mask is filtering what your tearing apart.

I would recommend the 3M Dual Cartridge Respirator. It's about $ 19, too cheap for a long-term working process.

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