Let me apologize for dwelling on this, but we all know it is important. I have a post asking about which respirator to buy to replace my old one with. I see on one of the links for suppliers that they do not recommend using a half face cartridge type mask for spraying paints with hardeners. Does this go back to the isosyanate issue. Am I endangering myself by using my half mask respirator when spraying my PPG DP50LF epoxy primer, my Sherwin Williams Ultra Fill II urethane primer/surfacer and my PPG Omni basecoat/clearcoat.
Which mask should I be using and where should I buy it....please ???? Thanks y'all. I want to be sure that I am very clear on this and that I am working safely. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

John, the reason that mask or ANY mask for that fact is NOT approved for use when spraying ISOs is because of human error.

The manufactor cant approve that product when you have some many factors that affect the performance of the mask.

You need to get it properly fit tested, you need NO FACIAL hair what so ever, you need to maintain the mask and change the filters on a regular basis, ETC.

There is TONS of gray area that leads to misusage on those masks. That is why NO company will rate them APPROVED. THEY ARE COVERING THEIR OWN ARSE.

Using a half mask will work if you use it right. Abuse it and it will fail. The only fail safe system is a fresh air unit, not every person can afford those ranging in price from 500 to 3000.

If you read the HEALTH post, in the text I name a few 3M repirators, I list some part numbers of half masks that will work IF you use them right.

thought I might be nice for once smile.gif

I found part numbers I mentioned earlier in the health post

Earlier this morning I checked some prices and part numbers of the masks we use at work.
For welding the mask I use is a 3M mask under the number of 07182 with price of 19.99. The painters mask which is the common half mask is 07193 cost of 18.99. My painting mask is the full face mask with a number of 06589 I believe cost around 150. For sanding I use the same mask as my welding mask, but use one for welding another for sanding. My welding/sanding mask has filters that are interchangable. The filter number is P100 but couldnt find a price on filters. The painting mask has 2 filters that make up the filtering unit. The first fliter or pre filter has a number of P95 costs 1.29 to replace. The second or organic vapor filter carries a number of 07195 costs 13.02.

Remember all those are 3M numbers. Also 3M has 3 different sizes in their masks, small, med and large. You need to test fit the mask so you know you have the proper size. Also the mask numbers will change for the different sizes, for example my welding mask is a med with part numer 07182, if you wanted the small its number would be 07181, large-07183. The same with painting masks.

Just a few things I should bring up on painting safty is you should also wear a painting suit and head sock. The suit protects your arms legs from overspray, were the sock covers hair and neck. The reason you should wear those items is because the overspray sticks everywhere. In the summer when its hot your body sweats opening it pores. Now you start painting and have a direct path for those harmful ISO into your bloodstream. Iso can get into the blood thro the lungs but takes longer, but now ISOs get in there fairly quick. Now you can run the risk of nervous system and heart problems

Another reason to wear a suit is because once done painting you just remove the suit and throw it away or you can store it in a baggy. If you dont wear the suit you can breathe the fumes that have now stuck on your clothes and hair. This has happened to me a several times when I painted darn near every day. On my way home I would get light headed and dizzy. I finally figured this out also thanks to the paint rep, now I wear a suit and have no problems.

If you dont want to purchase a suit, they are pretty cheap around 10 bucks, atleast wear long sleeved shirts and pants. Also when done painting change your clothes so you wont be breathing in those fumes...Eric

Thanks again Sevt_Chevelle and it's about time you were nice for once............ :eek:

JUST KIDDING !!

I went to AutoBody Depot's website and ordered a new 3M "7192" mask to use for painting. It was only $15.99. The medium "U.S. Safety" mask I wear now fits great so I stuck with that size. Your advice is very much appreciated and now I will feel much more confident when spraying this nasty stuff. graemlins/waving.gif

John, just cus your old mask is a med doesnt mean that the 3M mask will be the same.

Just something to note about that mask. Those style of masks are disposible masks, you CANT change the filters. Once that 8hr exposure time is up you need to toss it, its NO LONGER ANY GOOD.

The cheaper route to go is get one that has changable filters as the filters can be changed several times and pay for that 7192 mask.
A great 3M mask would be part number 37079.

Its a fairly new mask been out on the market for only about 4-5 months. The mask is made out of a softer more comforming type of plastic, making for a better seal. Plus you can change the filters making it cheaper in the long run. I just bought one today cost me around 18-19 bucks. Hell alot better of a mask then that 7193 mask.

Originally posted by sevt_chevelle:
Just something to note about that mask. Those style of masks are disposible masks, you CANT change the filters. Once that 8hr exposure time is up you need to toss it, its NO LONGER ANY GOOD.

The cheaper route to go is get one that has changable filters as the filters can be changed several times and pay for that 7192 mask.
A great 3M mask would be part number 37079.

Its a fairly new mask been out on the market for only about 4-5 months. The mask is made out of a softer more comforming type of plastic, making for a better seal. Plus you can change the filters making it cheaper in the long run. I just bought one today cost me around 18-19 bucks. Hell alot better of a mask then that 7193 mask. I wish I had known that before ordering the "throw away" mask. :eek:
This mask topic has been a real PIA with me for quite some time now and I guess that someday I will have the correct mask that I can actually keep and buy replacement cartridges for. When I ordered that 3M 7192, I don't recall seeing anything about the whole mask being disposable. I will now get online and hunt for the 3M 37079 mask :confused:

Thanks Sevt.... graemlins/thumbsup.gif