Tutorial What you need to know about respiratory protection!

@Kirahfaye , thank you very much, that's very useful info! The weight loss/gain issue seems obvious, but the idea that dental work could significantly alter the fit would never have occurred to me.

 

Just wanted to say how thankful i am for this information. Beyond the stuff i do in the BJD hobby I do a lot of spray painting and work with chemicals and have been contemplating upgrading my safety equipment (been just using the throw away protectors) i was rather worried that i would need to go high end and expensive if i wanted to get the job done right so its really nice to see i dont have to that and can still protect my health ^^

 

I've read through this a few times, but I'm still a little confused.

I do faceups/painting/etc and use MSC/Testors to seal things maybe every other month, probably less. I read that a half-face is necessary for the aerosol spray.
1. If I go to Home Depot/Lowes to get a mask, will they do fit testing there?
2. Since I'd be using the mask infrequently, what's the best way to keep the cartridges "active" the longest so I won't have to replace them every time I use it? Does the ziplock/coffee can method work for this, or would I be better off just putting in a new filter cartridge every time (doesn't sound very eco-friendly)?

Anyone can feel free to answer. Thanks in advance.

 

I can't speak as to whether Home Depot would do the fit testing. However, as far as replacing the cartridges not being eco-friendly, well .... Personally, I'd rather be non-eco-friendly in this matter and healthy than the other way around.

 

@Wolfie Pie I can't say anything about Home Depot/Lowes as we don't have those in our country, but: I use a half-face respirator with A2P3 filter (you technically just need A2 - the P3 is for particles but it was a combo mask) when spraying Liquitex Matte Varnish and it works great. A good indicator for whether the mask works is, if you smell absolutely nothing when spraying (this is how it should be afaik). When using pastels I use a throw-away mask with a P2 filter (for particles). I could just use my half-mask as well, as it has a P3 filter, but that thing is so huge, I'd rather not wear it for an entire hour xD. My mask came in a re-sealable bag so this is where I store it. Wherever you store your mask, make sure it's airtight.

However: If you use a spray that contains a lot of acetone, like LUKAS spray you'll need AX filters instead (confirmed by the company LUKAS). When in doubt whether to use AX or A2/A3 just check the component list and the boiling point of the gas.

The fitting in my case was not an issue - I use a medium-sized mask which is usually a good pick for average face-sizes. If you got a small face go for S, otherwise go for L sized masks.

Cheers,
Milenn

 

You should be storing the face mask in a cool, dry place or preferably in a bag where moisture cannot invade/cannot get trapped.
3M (sells masks in USA) discusses the pre-check of half and full face masks before use:
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/810309O/reusable-respirators-care-and-maintenance-slides.pdf
You should be replacing the cartridges after the recommended time by the manufacturer.

 

Thank you for your mask recommendations, @Milenn and @Misuka.
I use Testors dulcote and glosscote at the moment, and I used to have MSC. For pastels during faceups I use a dust mask with a little breath vent(?) that's for construction workers. Though that's only good for the particles and not the aerosols. I shall look into masks with the options you both mentioned.

 

*Sorry for the double post. XP

Just picked up a 3M 65021HA1 OV/P100 approved respirator.
Got a medium so hopefully that'll fit. Thanks for the info everyone.

 

Thank you for this useful post ! I read it last night... and actually i was so afraid i could barely sleep. >< (i have high anxiety)

So this morning I bought a 3M half face respirator for spraying and some throw-away masks for pastel and sanding work.
I hope i chose the good ones, and that they will actually protect myself.

 

@MorgY, always glad to hear when someone benefits from our discussion. BTW, on a side note - your artwork is stunning!

 

I think i have been lucky, i was aiming for the first time at doing some modds to one of my dolls ( additive and subtractive) and i have just asked for a airbrush for my birthday... so really this post just was what i needed to read before i start all this projects. :3 (although i must admit i have already spend a year wrecking my lungs every time i was doing make ups TT-TT )
( Oh, thank thank you very much !! *w* )

 

Brilliant thread - I would have totally bought the incorrect filters if I hadn't read this

 

Thanks for the useful thread!
Will keep in mind when I try modding a faceplate!

 

This is fantastic information. I've now bought my first respirator and feel confident it's appropriate for the work I'm going to be doing on the dolls. Thank you!

 

Ok wow, I'm very new and glad I happened across this thread! I'll add this to my list of things to buy right away. Thankyou for the information I had zero idea this could be harmful.. a little question though, I had every intention of doing this in a craft/ hobby room and my partner also collects vinyl figures which are quite expensive.. he keeps them in a glass case but its most definitely not airtight.. these chemicals I'm assuming will affect his toys?

 

Thanks for your guide!

 

Amazing guide! Thank you!

Although I do have to admit, it's a little disturbing. My mother is a RISD graduate & worked around very toxic chemicals her entire life from paints containing lead, etc. I also went to RISD for two years working with similar supplies. And I can VERY sadly vouch, not a single person ever brought up safety or the hazards of working with certain pants, coatings, etc to either of us. I can sorta understand in my mom's case since that was in the 70s and safety wasn't quite a concern. But in mine, that was only about 12 years ago or so o.o I always just assumed if it were dangerous, someone would say something...

AWFUL.

 

Thank you for the amazing guide!
I have the correct half mask respirator but I cannot find the filters can anyone help? I'm in europe so I don't know what to look for... :<

 

This thread has been a huge help. Thank you! I am rethinking my decision to try a body blushing...

 

Thank you so much for posting this! I am new to the hobby, but my aunt and uncle are material and nuclear engineers, so I know plenty about proper respiratory safety. I was shocked by how many people use MSC indoors... and without a mask! Thank you for including this

 

This thread is super helpful, I sprayed MSC in my condo once because I was too lazy to go up to the roof, but I am definitely never doing that again! My cat was in the room and I feel super guilty. :c

I'm going to get a proper respirator this Wednesday, and never spray inside again!

 

Even though it's been years since I did any spraying, I appreciate that this thread is here.

I know a lot has been said about spraying outdoors and wearing the right protection. Are there recommended locations for spraying outdoors? I currently live in an apartment building. Though my neighbors don't often use their balconies, I'd rather not sicken them.

 

Thanks so much for this! I had no idea how insanely dangerous this stuff is. Though now I am afraid to do faceups the way I wanted to...

 

I'm currently researching which respirator to get and being in regional Australia it is a bit difficult to source the right thing at a reasonable price.

It would be cheaper for me to order the starter kit from Amazon and pay the shipping. Is there any reason that I shouldn't do this however? I know the ratings are different (P95 vs P2 etc), and there is the possibility I would have to reorder the American cartridges (a set of 6501 from here looks like it will cost approx USD$20 so it will likely be cheaper to order online...).

There is another concern, with not being able to try it on, but I cannot find anywhere local that even stocks one to try on. I might have to re-sell the one I get and try the next size, but that is workable too.

Thanks in advance! I can't start anything until I get this haha

 

Hi @Tekenduis I wanted to ask, is this a good mask to get for spraying MSC? R95 Paint Spray and Pesticide Respirator Mask
They don't have any size options and it's the only thing I can find around me (Toronto, Canada)

 

Thank you for this information about PPE gear. I knew that sanding resin was bad. That's why I stopped modding in the first place because resin dust would hurt when I was breathing and I would get a headache later on in the day. (Only did that 3 times before I was like F%&$ this!) But I didn't know about MSC. I just ordered off of Amazon because I rather be safe than sorry in the long run.

 

very helpful~

 

I ended up ordering the medium from Amazon and it fits great. I ordered some extra filters and cartridges along with it.

My only concern now is that I only want to do sanding and I have to install the ov cartridges while I do it. I saw someone on Insta had separate sanding and spraying masks and now I'm wondering if that was what I should have done!

 

Kinda weird, but can anyone recommend a respirator that is not by 3M? They use a hard plastic to secure the mask behind the head. I have surgical scars that this aggravates. Do they make a mask with rubber or elastic straps?

 

Check out Honeywell, Moldex, Sundstrom and Miller Electric. You may have to email the companies to ask about the straps for your situation as some of them may not be around you to test personally, and may not carry the proper filters for whatever model you may need.
I don't entirely know your medical condition, but be aware that face mask respirators (not half style) may be better and more comfortable for you since they can distribute the pressure more evenly across the back of the skull. Good luck!

 

Thank you so much, dear! I hadn't even considered a face mask and had only been looking at the half ones. I'll look into what you've recommended~

 

I've previously tried using a half-face mask (Climax - Class 2 - Full Face Silicone Full Face Mask - UNE-EN 136: 1998 - CE Marked - [CL-132] ) but had problems maintaining a seal around my face. I tried experimentally spraying some spraypaint while wearing it and could immediately smell the paint even with the mask on and the organic vapour filters in.

So I decided to give a full face mask a go, figuring that if it didn't work then I could always reuse the mask for cosplay or something. I tried with this one: ( 3M - 6000 Low Maintenance Series Half Mask - EN140 ). With this one, the seal is much better, but I don't get how the filtration system is meant to work. So you have a valve on either side of your lower face that you screw filters into- that much makes sense, and seems to work fine. But then you have this third valve in the center of the lower part of the mask, over where your mouth is, and that doesn't seem to have any way to attach an organic vapour filter to it (it's a difference diameter to the valves on the sides, so you can't just screw a third filter in). So I can still smell things with the mask on, since unfiltered air just comes straight in through that part. Am I missing something obvious here?

 

Gas mask usage,

First off I would like to say that I have used "1/2 face", "Full face", "Air supply" and "Airline" respirators for many years with he most dangerous chemicals known to man. I have used 3M, North, Scott and Dragger masks. I have also administered the qualitative leak test.
The one that you used that you smelled the paint was most likely too large. All 3 ports on each mask has a blubber valve. The 2 ports with the screw connections are for the filters and they are the inlet ports, which are the only ports that need the filters. The third port is located between the 2 filter ports and directly in front of and slightly below your mouth is the exhaust port.
When you put he mask on make such ALL of the straps at snugged evenly so the mask sits straight on your face. Place the palms of your hands over the filters to seal them and inhale. If the mask is sealed it will suck into your face. If you feel air coming in snug the strap near that leak and preform the leak check again. Once the inhalation check passes, then put the palm of one of your hands over the exhaust port and breath out slightly to pressurize the inside of the mask slightly. (DO NOT breath out heavily), If you DO NOT feel any air leaking out between your face and the seal of the mask the "leak check" is complete and you are ready to go.
Also insure that the filter is for the proper chemical. I actually use 3 different "Organic vapor" filters. Each one is for a specific class of chemical. Most of the time the magenta filter is what will work. Also I would suggest the dual filter. Sometimes the filters come as a larger filter and have the chemical portion on the side closest to your face. And a particle filter on the inlet side of the filter. Also sometimes the particle filter snaps onto the front of the filter so that you can change the filter periodically.

You should do the leak check every time you put the mask on. You can wait until you smell something inside of the mask to change the filters or you can just replace the filter after a days use. The service life of the filter varies according to how hard the filter are made to work. For my line of work I change the filters at the end of each day.

Hope this helps.

Most 1/2face masks have at least a small plastic piece at the back of the head. The full face has about 5 rubber straps that go around the back of the head.

One other option for you is a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator). This is a plastic helmet with a strap system inside of it similar to a hard hat. And the face shield can be flipped up when not in use. It has a hose which is connect to a power pack similar to a fish tank air aider. The pack is battery operated. The filter connects to the pack and is warn on the waist. This type constantly blows air up into the mask and comes out around the face shield.

You can get a particle filter for most types of masks. This is a HEPA style filter. Which is good for particles down to below the asbestos size. Which is ~3 x 5 microns. You only need to make sure that the filter is for the specific mask you have.

Yes, that is a good mask.

As a note for anybody this mask should NEVER be used. It will ONLY stop boulders from hitting your face directly. However they will still hurt. https://www.amazon.com/SAS-Safety-2985-Non-Toxic-Dust/dp/B0002STR1I This is a white mask with a rubber band around the back of your head.

Note about respirators. If you can try on several different sizes and select the one that fits and feels the best. Then select filters to match the task you at doing.

Another hint:
To make a fume hood take a large box and lay it on its side with the opening towards you. In the back cut a hole and put a fan blowing away from you. The fan should be on the outside of the box. Make sure that the area around the fan is clear so that it can dissipate the paint/MSC fumes quickly. Also leave the fan running for several minutes after you are finished using it so that the chemical fumes build up can be diluted before you turn the fan off. You do not want to activate a spark by turning off the fan too soon.
Put your pieces inside to spray them with the fan running. This is a crude chemical hood which is the same as in the research lab hoods.

With your infrequent use I would suggest you throw the filters away after each use. It is very difficult to verify the usage time and concentration of the chemicals you will use. Wash the mask in a mild detergent and allow it to air dry then place it into a Ziploc type bag that the mask fits loosely into. Try to keep the mask in its most natural position. Store it in a dark, dry and cool place. Check the storage area from time to time to ensure it is not getting too warm.

 

This actually occured to me some time after I posted that. I found the proper click in filters on eBay so now I don't have to waste my OV cartridges to sand!

 

....Oh gosh I've been using an improperly-fitted mask this whole time. I'm all scared now. o_o
I've only sprayed MSC a handful of times in a ventilated garage, so hopefully I'll be fine. I must buy a proper-sized mask at once!

 

That is really helpful! Thanks for sharing.

 

I wonder, have some who used MSC the first time without using mask (because you didnt read nothing in English over the can that it was necessary a mask), that have the same symptoms like me?

I just trying to remember when the first time I got my smelling problems if this have to do with those few times I've sprayed with the MSC when I approached this hobby the first time (2008). I cant remember if my problems started before I knew this hobby or after.
No matter how much I try to remember... I absolutely cant remember ...


Then I want to find out if someone who use MSC had my same problems (please if you should read my comment here even after years,send me also a PM if you had my same symptoms.

I will explain:

I started to not being able to smell odours at least not full odours anymore.
If I could smell a strong bottle of parfum, all suddenly, I could not smell at 100% the perfum's smell anymore but just like 'half' of the original smell.

Is like I still can smell odours but not at 100% but half... 50% of it...

The first time it happen for 1 month or 2 I could smell at 50%, then I could smell rightly again but again all suddenly next year It started again to smell less of the original smell and since then I keep to be in this way... (since years... are surely more than 7 or 8 years or 9 years... I totally lost the hope to being able to smell at 100% the intensity of odours again....

Another thing that accompain this is that I have a sort of 'transparent' nasal secretion that is not like to have a running nose or fluid, but its 'mellow' and really inside my nose, to notice this, you have to put a tip of tissue very deep inside your notrils or( you could not notice), and the tissue will come out always with some 'drops' of this 'mellow/transparent' mucus/secretion (sorry I dont know how to explain well, its hard to describe these symtoms)...
always... costantly, inside my nose I have these secretions.
when I went to doctors for this specific case, no one was able to diagnosticate what Im suffering...
They called it 'Anosmia' but dont know the origin.
Another (made me allergies tests and all tests result negative) and insert a long thin tube with a microscope inside my nose to see if I have nasal polyps but is all ok and the doctor told me that is maybe a 'Nares Naresma' but still was just suppositions and the medicals they prescrived me didnt works. Any.. I used nasal sprays, pills, aerosols etc.. nothing works.

Yet I can fully smell odours and I notice when I wake up in the moring my respiratory 'tract' are like dry ' but yet if I put inside a tip of tissue deep inside, its still mellow that transparent thing...

When I got sick(flu), the transparent thing increase in EXAGERATE way, not to mention if I CRY. Yes sometimes I cry and that transparent mellow thing become A LOT and start to running out of my nose and I need even 5 tissues before dry it and be like normal like always... and sometimes I need to 'spit' that transparent thing that sometimes it settles to the throat as well...

Are years that I liv with these symtoms....
not so bad as may sound in my description, (im not suffocating or things like that),
but I feel so sad that I can smell just half of the original odours

Please let me know if someone experienced these things too since started use MSC.

Nobody can solve this up to today.... is a mystery....
I wonder if MSC can cause this...

Send me a pm as well even after years if you had this too!

Thanks!

 

Embarrassingly enough... I have read this twice and I am still unsure what I should be buying. It's a lot of information to take in. :S

I'm not concerned with price... so is there an option that covers all my bases? Like, if I were to use one for machine sanding AND for aerosol protection such as MSC.... would you have a specific recommendation for that?

Sorry for needing extra clarification. Thank you in advance!

 

Tip for anyone who attends university- not sure if it's for all, but my school offers respiratory fit testing and training on how to use a respirator properly. This course is free for employees (this includes students) so you may want to check your school for this. Usually it's part of safety training in the sciences. Hope this helps.

 

Has anyone heard of RZ masks? RZ Air Filtration Masks I recently saw someone talking about it on youtube, he is a wood worker, but also works with resins (and a lot of other things). According to him these are great for protecting yourself from multiple things, even bad resin smell, lol.

I am debating on trying one, but I thought maybe I would ask here. ^.^;

 

Thank you for this! It's very useful to know the right way of protecting oneself

 

SAS 8661-93 Dual Cartridge Respirator Bandit Mask Auto Painting Size Large | eBay How's this one? I bought this one. I thought it matched up with the one the OP said is good. Also, it says that the cartridge and filters last for 24/48 hours, but if zip locked, 1-2 weeks. What if you aren't using it at all, but you only opened it to try it on and put it back in the zip lock? Would I still need new cartridge and filters?

 

This is a useful guide. I finally got a mask and oh my god why did I put this off....

 

I'm guilty of just putting on those flimsy coughing mask whenever I use MSC, I'll be sure to invest in a proper face mask soon after reading this!

 

I have only known about the harms of spraying MSC without a respirator for about a few months know, but this thread gave me a lot better of an insight about this stuff. Me and my friend used to mess around with MSC without ANY sort of protection when we made face ups for other type of dolls when we were about 14. Now when I know how harmful it is, the thought of that sends shivers down my spine. We sure are lucky that neither of us got any health problems. This stuff should be talked about more, we had never even thought that what we were doing could be harmful. Thank you so much for this educational thread, I'll be sure to be safe the next time I come in contact with MSC or resin dust.

 

Is this a good respiratory protection for MSC?

 

Babadook, no it is not the right mask. You need the 3M 4277 (with the safety code FFABE1P3D)
And it's going to cost around 30-35 Euros. DON'T BUY A CHEAPER ONE! Your health is not worth the price difference.

 

Is the one you name, 3M 4277, appropriate for both tiny dust particles and chemical vapors? Do I need a separate mask for
each substance?

 

Yes, it is for both. You need a mask that does both things in 1 mask. Otherwise you are still not protected. The 3M 4277 does that.

 

Thanks so very much for that information!

 

Thank you very much for your reply. Can you share a link or a photo of it? Just to have an idea of what I should look for...

Edit: is this one correct? Can filters be replaced?

 

Thanks for sharing

 

Thanks. A lot.

 

Looking at doing faceups soon and will get a proper mask - but when it comes to eye protection, what's best? I wear glasses on a daily basis because I'm near-sighted, but I could switch to contacts for working on doll projects. However I know some chemicals are said to be unsafe while wearing contacts.

 

I also wear glasses on a daily basis, when I spray sealant I wear the 3M halfmask with filters and the safety goggles over my standard glasses - it's bearable for the while and you are sure to be protected. I have safety goggles similar to these. The only problem is if your standard glasses fit into the safety goggles - I needed to switch to my spare glasses which are smaller.

The easiest way for you is to wear contact lenses under the safety goggles of course. I cannot wear contact lenses, so I had to figure it out differently

 

Ahh ok. I'll probably wear glasses for spraying and probably switch to contacts/goggles for faceups/sanding (my eyes are stupid sensitive to dust and dirt). Thanks!

 

Considering the Silicone one. How do I know which size to get to fit my face properly? :/ They aren't cheap so I'd rather not muck up here xD

 

I suggest to everyone that heading to the nearest hardware store where they are sold and asking them about proper fit is a good idea. They can tell you honestly if you need a larger or smaller size than they provide so that you can get a proper seal.

 

Yes, I concur with Misuka. I have been wearing respirators for over 30 years to work with hazardous materials. And I can honesty say that without a respirator I probably would not be here now. My face is smaller than most and I had to drop down to a small. It took several tries to get it correct.

 

Thanks guys! I have no idea where I will go but I will have a look around