Respirators for Welding / Grinding

[babzog]

So I was at welding class last night, doing a bunch of grinding in prep for a small project. Last night, I cleaned a bunch of black **** out of my nose and am still blowing it out today. I've got an irritating cough from deep in my lungs today and they feel "hot", if that makes sense.

I figure I've breathed in a ton of grinding dust and fumes from other students' welding... what kind of filter/respirator/??? would you recommend for grinding and welding operations? I also have a goatee to cover up (though I'll shave that sucker off if need be!).

I hate feeling like ****, especially when it's due to something I can prevent! I also don't want to incur any long term lung damage.

 

[Bigrhamr]

You're suffering from the dreaded "Black Booger Syndrome".
I use some from 3M, don't know the part number offhand but they have the plastic exhaust valve which seems to help keep them from fogging your hood or glasses if it's cold.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Get the 2091 filters.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FTEDMM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[babzog]

Jack, does that fit under a welding helmet?

 

[Jack Olsen]

Yes is does.

 

[hetkind]

you want a N95 rated respirator, what we used to call a dust/mist/fume...

hepa would be overkill

Howard

 

[mikeb9550]

I thought you only need a respirator for arc welding or flux core welding? I have been using a particle filter but it actually seems that since I switched to a full faced lexan mask for grinding, it hasnt been a problem. Love the full face mask.

 

[babzog]

I'll check out a safety supply house tomorrow.. see if they have respirators that they can fit. I recall trying one from CT Boutique years ago for paint spraying and it was a PITA to get it to seal... think I might need a larger size but would rather get one fitted properly. Thanks for the suggestions... from reading, it looks like the beard will have to go as well.

 

[hetkind]

got to do a fit test...qualitative if nothing else.

29 CFR 1910.134 at www.osha.gov gives a way to do it with the rainbow passage and banana oil.

Howard