Vapour smells

[Brad81]

Hi i was wondering if anyone could tell me how you no if your respirator is workin correctly and any tips i should no with the use of them. When machining MDF i can smell the MDF dust. is this normal??? or should i be smelling nothing at all ?? any assisstance would be greatly appriecated.

Cheers Brad

[Eastie]

Most common filters for half face respirators are particle filters (aka dust filters) - not fume/gas filters. They cut down the large dust particles you breath in, but not fumes and gasses which pass right through.
I wouldn't be too concerned with the smell from MDF unless you're cutting all day every day and you have experienced signs/symptoms of adverse health effects after cutting it (given you use a respirator already).

When you cut timber/mdf/plastic/metal/LVL... with a circualr saw blade it will give off fumes as well as dust (and spores, bacteria, etc). As fumes are normally only a problem at the point of cutting, the problem can often be solved with either local exhaust ventialtion (for fixed machinery), more advanced supplied air type respirators that feed air that's away from the fumes(like the triton one) or increasing air movement by opening doors/windows/cutting outside or using a fan to move the air and reduce the concentration (which will likely increase dust circulation).

Whatever filter you choose make sure the size fits your face. The simple test to determine how well it's working is via the ammount of snot you end up with at the end of the day.

[ubeaut]

I used to cut a lot of chipboard and MDF using a regular cloth type dust mask which kept out most of the dust with no problems. As I got a bit more money I graduated to the big Racal helmet and filter and instantly began having problems with fumes. You see, not only does the filter blow clean dust free air into the helmet but it also draws in the fumes and concentrates them in the helmet. Particularly bad on very aromatic timbers and any of the manufactured woods that contain formaldehyde, oh yeah and murder when you fart... (or even worse if it's someone elses fart) :eek:

This can be overcome by using a carbon filter which takes out fumes as well as dust.

Cheers - Neil

[soundman]

Hadn't thaught about the umplications of wearing the filter pack on the belt.
Direct circulation of spicy odours. pee eeww.

On a more serious note. The best time to assess your filter cartridge (vapour/gas type) is first thing ine the morning before you start work of after lunch.
A detiorating cartridge can sneek up on you, but if you've been breathing nice fresh air for a while that hint of solvent will be more obvious.