Dust mask for chemical mixing

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I have been mixing some of my own chemistry for about 3 months, mostly d-23 and some of the Vitamin C developer variations from unblinkingeye.com. This has been one of those experiences where I kick myself for not doing it 10 years ago. A tremendous amount of enjoyment being able to have more control over another aspect of the process. Anyway, I have decided to make my own pyrocat-HD to make my own comparisons to PMK/Pyro (which I buy ready to use for Photoformulary).

What is the best dust protection for using this and other more toxic chemistry. I have been currently using dust masks for auto painting, but I also have access to a paint booth repirator that uses repalaceable cartridges. Specific brands or part #s appreciated.

-- James Chinn (JChinn2@dellepro.com), March 02, 2002

Answers

James, At work we sometimes use the MSA Respirator with the Combination Cartidges GMF-H (formaldehyde and organic vapors) in the photolab when mixing the different developers we need. Not much else is really needed.

-- Scott Walton (walton@ll.mit.edu), March 13, 2002.

James, I work in a studio/lab that adheres to the OSHA rules closely....to wear a respirator in this type of system means that you must undergo a physical and be fit-tested. Otherwise the employee (and employer) may face a fine...we don't use respirators in our lab, but instead have great ventilation designed for the processes and chemicals we use. The way it's been explained to me--I'm not an industrial hygenist though--by the OSHA reps is that a respirator is not a subsitute for ventilation...it is used in conjunction with good ventilation if it has to be used at all....that said, here's the OSHA page for respirators....you can probably find similar documents with whatever agency in your state handles Labor issues, workplace laws etc. They tend to call it Personal Protection, or Hazard Communication....I know you're doing this at home and all, but I'd be careful with the respirators.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/respiratory_advisor/mainpage.html

Opinions expressed in this message may not represent the policy of my agency

-- DK Thompson (kthompson@moh.state.nc.us), March 13, 2002.


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