Popular Woodworking Editors' Blog

As the letter below notes, many woodwokring publications have recently at least mentioned respirators. In the current issue of Popular Woodworking (August 2007, #163), Chris Schwarz writes in his editor's note ("The Curse of the Creepy Kleenex") that despite meticulous dust-collection efforts in the shop, a respirator is still sometimes a necessity. And in Chapter 7 of Woodworking Essentials in the same issue, Scott Gibson addresses dust collection in great detail. But, there's always room for more good information, as reader Joe Corriveau reminds us:

Many of the publications I subscribe to have been talking about respirators and air filtration. However, I have yet to see anything comprehensive on the subject. My father was an industrial safety salesman and I worked for him for 10 years as the customer service manager, and I also worked for several years for an asbestos demolition company, where respirator protection was the largest safety issue. Here are some respirator issues that I’ve not yet seen discussed:
1) Facial hair will not allow any mask to create the seal that is necessary for the mask to do what it is supposed to do.
2) Most dust masks sold at home-improvement centers are designed for very low-risk applications, and most likely will not work too well for you. You should, at least, look for masks with a metal nasal strip. This allows you to fit the mask better in this area by bending the strip so it follows the contours of you face better creating a better seal. Also, if it has but one elastic strip, don’t bother with it.
3) If you are serious about using a mask, get a silicone half mask with changeable filters.
    a) For most of us, dust filters are all that is needed.
    b) If you do a lot of spraying, get the right filter. A dust filter will not protect you. You will most likely need an “organic vapor/acid gas” cartridge.
    c) If you are using any form of cartridge that has a charcoal filter in it, you need to store it in a airtight container. These cartridges have a life of about 24 hours once the manufacturer’s seals have been removed. Proper storage will extend the life of the filter.
    d) You are better off not buying masks from a home-improvement center. Find a safety distributor in your area. Some will take walk-in private sales. Some will even be willing the test-fit you for a mask. Silicone half masks come in different sizes. Get the one that is right for you. Most salespeople will take the time to talk to you about your activities and get you the right filters for your type of work.
4) Just because you’re done making dust, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t any in the air. Leave your mask on until you either leave the area/your shop, or wait for the dust to settle and the air filters to do their job.
5) Masks, vacuums and air filters all do what they are supposed to do. But, each one does a different thing. None of them, alone or together, can provide full protection. However, all three can provide maximum protection when used together.
6) Your lungs are your life. Take care of them and they will take care of you.

— Joe Corriveau, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Do you have dust collection tips? We invite you to share them with other readers by leaving a comment.

— Megan Fitzpatrick