How do I obtain a respirator?

[jproaster]

In other words, Amaz.com wants me to sign off that I'm a professional before I can purchase a 3m 6502ql respirator. I just want some protection from grinding and welding materials and gases in my hobbies and occasional projects for my coffee shop.

Why does amaz want to know?

Thanks
John

 

[k-os]

Weird. I've ordered this one twice from Amazon without any issues.

 

[Git]

Because there are too many lawyers...

For example, some respirators require you to be fitted by someone to ensure it will meet the specs and/or you are using it for the right application

 

[kythri]

I'm curious if it's some kind of legal CYA for PPE - i.e. you're checking the box to absolve Amazon of any requirement to train you in the proper use of PPE.

 

[Git]

They want to make sure you read the manual/safety disclaimer at least

 

[RV8guy]

Home Depot has 3M respirators back in the paint department.

 

[hammerhead611]

Don't want to check the box, just order one of the many others just like it that do not have the "professional/commercial use" disclaimer on it

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

My local True Value has a good selection, or my local Auto Paint Store has some as well. I used to get them from Uline but the S&H got out of control.


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[DHCrocks]

wierd. how about you get the 7500 series. I bought mine from Amazon.

 

[ttpete]

I think it's because of the different filters available. Some are for particulates and others are for vapor and fumes or for both. Pick the wrong ones and you might have bad things happen.

 

[zendriver]

I would never haphazardly check a who gives a ****? checkbox, on an internet web site, just to get what I want.

No doubt, terrible things will happen.

 

[Stuey]

I've seen this before for specific 3M products.

It could be more about pricing or a dealer arrangement with 3M. Other sites, such as MSC, don't have checkboxes or other purchasing requirements, but you also can't find that specific model on Home Depot or other consumer sites that carry 3M's more widely distributed PPE products.

It could also be because the packaging isn't the same as for consumer products that have more literature?

 

[L5wolvesf]

I think it's because of the different filters available. Some are for particulates and others are for vapor and fumes or for both. Pick the wrong ones and you might have bad things happen.

Agreed.

Likely someone at a workplace was given the wrong filter or an ill-fitting mask and died. The surviving family could have sued.

Some people would appreciate being directed to getting the correct equipment - others evidently not.

 

[PelicanPines]

Being a senior member of this forum makes you a certified professional.

 

[pstemari]

It's just legal flim-flammary. My understanding is that it's to avoid becoming subject to CPSC regulations. CPSC regulations only apply to "consumer products". In the case of a respirator, CPSC regs would probably require bypass holes or something similar to make it difficult if not impossible to suffocate yourself.

Amazon really couldn't care less, they just put that warning on the items as required by the manufacturer. They don't attempt to verify your professional qualifications. MSC is an industrial supplier, not a consumer vendor. If they actually need the disclaimer, I imagine it shows up in their terms and conditions..

That same warning appears on Scotch-Brite bristle discs and various other random things.

 

[KnurledNut]

3M packages and labels its industrial/commercial products for purchase and use by industrial, professional, and commercial customers. Unless specifically stated on the product package or applicable product literature, 3M industrial products are not packaged, labeled, or intended for sale to individual consumers (ie., the general public).

 

[jproaster]

Thanks for the various understandings of the requirements.
I'm gonna pull the trigger on something tomorrow.

Thanks
John

 

[Wamsutta]

Get a North 7700. It's full silicone. Get some P100 pancake filters too.

 

[ZRX61]

3M packages and labels its industrial/commercial products for purchase and use by industrial, professional, and commercial customers. Unless specifically stated on the product package or applicable product literature, 3M industrial products are not packaged, labeled, or intended for sale to individual consumers (ie., the general public).

& yet I can walk into any number of stores & just buy them. Not once was I asked about being a professional etc.

 

[KnurledNut]

& yet I can walk into any number of stores & just buy them. Not once was I asked about being a professional etc.

As a purchasing agent, i buy 3M professional products on a regular basis. Many of these items are specialized and would be hard to find in store. The items stores do stock will most likely be packaged for the consumer, with warnings and legal disclaimers clearly stated, as well as eye catching (marketing) inserts. The professional packaging lacks that. It is often plain cardboard boxes with just basic item info. I understand this doesnt make sense for those that dont see it.

 

[bwringer]

Yup, prolly just a difference in packaging and the assorted warnings included.

Check the box and find something more important to worry about, like charting the color and density of your belly button lint.



I once had to lie to a certain supplier and tell them that my office (white-collar work, mostly website stuff, definitely NOT a machine shop) was a machine shop so I could order a cylinder hone I needed for my motorcycle.

Why they put this barrier in place, I can't even imagine. Sure, I can understand asking the question so they can decide whether to send catalogs and such, but making it a requirement to buy anything at all didn't make a lick of sense.

 

[zendriver]

Agreed.



Likely someone at a workplace was given the wrong filter or an ill-fitting mask and died. The surviving family could have sued.



Some people would appreciate being directed to getting the correct equipment - others evidently not.

Is protection from breathing toxic dust, paint particles and fumes, somehow different in the home, than in the workplace? It's pretty much the same lungs.

It's not like you're by the "DIY consumer version" of a set of 3/8" socket wrenches.


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[frank001]

Being a senior member of this forum makes you a certified professional.

^^^^This^^^^

Everyone is a 'Professional' of some type!

 

[gmwelder86]

Because there are too many lawyers...

For example, some respirators require you to be fitted by someone to ensure it will meet the specs and/or you are using it for the right application

By cal osha standards you need to be test fitted to be sure you have the right size and are healthy enough to wear one and work. If it doesn’t seal against your face it doesn’t fulfill its purpose.

 

[L5wolvesf]

Is protection from breathing toxic dust, paint particles and fumes, somehow different in the home, than in the workplace? It's pretty much the same lungs.

It's not like you're by the "DIY consumer version" of a set of 3/8" socket wrenches.

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True same lungs etc. but . . . the manufacturer has no idea how, or for what purpose(s), the purchaser will use it.

 

[minke]

The definition of professional is: wears a suit.

In the middle ages it meant mastered a body of knowledge. Gardeners and priests were professionals.

 

[gte718p]

Is protection from breathing toxic dust, paint particles and fumes, somehow different in the home, than in the workplace? It's pretty much the same lungs.

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Actually it is. In a professional setting, the employer has a legal obligation to make sure the PPE is correct. For a respirator, that includes making sure it has the proper fit, has the right type of filter, and the wearer is healthy enough to wear it. That relieves the supplier from a lot of liability.

There are entirely different rules for consumer products. The manufacture has to imagine and warn against every level of stupidity. They can be held liable for your stupidity. I didn't know you are not supposed to use a push mower as a hedge clipper and such.

 

[MadMark]

I hope its not an attempt to limit the supply
of respirators that make it to Hong Kong.

They are used to protect against teargas by the demonstraters

 

[mcbane]

The definition of professional is: wears a suit.

In the middle ages it meant mastered a body of knowledge. Gardeners and priests were professionals.

Except the oldest profession doesn’t seem to have ever been bound by that definition


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[PhantomEB]

Question I need to ask as a journeyman millwright who uses these lots......are you clean shaven? If not then they don’t work well.

 

[Kaizen]

Box probably intended to make you think it’s better because only certified professionals can use them. Actually would be great marketing trick


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[ZRX61]

They take this "you must be a pro" thing to the extreme in the UK. They even have stores like Costco that won't let you in unless you own a retail store or business etc.
My dad had a card to use one of these places.

"Who do you represent?"
Dad: "The Royal Navy Gunnery School, are you looking for an argument?"

 

[L5wolvesf]

Except the oldest profession doesn’t seem to have ever been bound by that definition

Well the oldest profession's definition is slightly different: master of body knowledge.

 

[Wyoming09]

Check the box, buy the thing and move on.
Problem solved. You're welcome.

^^^^^THIS.

I've had to do this when buying syringes. Never been a problem.
However, you need to be sure what you are buying is exactly what you need.

 

[Two Speed]

In other words, Amaz.com wants me to sign off that I'm a professional before I can purchase a 3m 6502ql respirator. I just want some protection from grinding and welding materials and gases in my hobbies and occasional projects for my coffee shop.

They didn't ask what sort of professional, you own a coffee shop, so your are a proffesional coffeeist vs a hobby coffeeist. =-)

Alex.