respiratory protection (dust masks to you and me)..

[ledger]

I need to get a dust mask and am somewhat confused as to the different classifiacation, P1, P2, P3.

I want the mask to fulfill a variety of roles including

1.keeping dust at bay when general decorating
2.protecting me from the dust caused when using an electric mitre saw (and other woodworking tools) on a variety of woods inc chipboard (but no MDF)
3. disposing of some asbestos board

though I am quite happy to buy a mask for jobs 1 & 2 and another for job 3 which will be a one off.

I also assume that EN 149 FFP1S and EN 149 FFP2S are the same s P1 and P2

thanks

Edited by ledger on Thursday 8th June 15:35

[Carrera2]

Why don't you ask at a place that sells them.

[J111]

ledger said:

I also assume that EN 149 FFP1S and EN 149 FFP2S are the same s P1 and P2

A disposable P2 mask is sufficient for all 3, but you should wear full, hooded overalls for job 3, together with wellies that you can wash down at the end of the day, disposing of the overalls with the asbestos waste. Mask on first and off last, of course.

Cement asbestos sheets aren't particularly dangerous - just take care not to break them, bag and wrap the waste, and keep them damp as you work. That last point shouldn't be too tricky if they're outside in Britain but, if inside or it's dry, paint them with water or (better) wallpaper paste. Don't use a hose, it breaks up the surface.

[timc930]

I would use a P3 for asbestos.

Trick is to ensure you fit them properly.

[Davel]

We use P2 masks at our place and they are geared for less pleasant but clearly not things like asbestos etc dusts.

P1 s cover things like rubber, plastics, construction, engineering and agriculture

P2 s are for pharmaceuticals, laboratories, sawmills, foodstuffs and powdered additives etc.

Then of course you can get different valves etc.

If you want advice, ring Arco who will probably have a depot in your area.

[J111]

timc930 said:

I would use a P3 for asbestos.

Fuming asbestos ? Fk me, scary
Doesn't hurt to use a higher rated filter but they can be more fatiguing, leading to them ending up protecting only your neck or the top of your head.

timc930 said:

Trick is to ensure you fit them properly.

Davel said:

If you want advice, ring Arco who will probably have a depot in your area.

Branches

Edited by J111 on Thursday 8th June 16:07

[ledger]

thanks guys very helpful, with the exception of carerra2 obviously

[Carrera2]

ledger said:

thanks guys very helpful, with the exception of carerra2 obviously

[nwtony]

Don't you have to employ someone licensed to shift asbestos?

In all seriousness I would get the asbestos issue looked into before moving a damn thing - once it's in your lungs, its just a matter of time....

[ledger]

nwtony said:

Don't you have to employ someone licensed to shift asbestos?

In all seriousness I would get the asbestos issue looked into before moving a damn thing - once it's in your lungs, its just a matter of time....

I have spoken to a few local asbestos removal firms. Howeve they want me to send them a sample for analysis before they will attempt to remove it. I've not had it confirmed yet that it is asbestos, but think it is very low grade asbestos board. To be honest I would rather just get someone to come and remove it, but that's proving difficult.

[yertis]

nwtony said:

Don't you have to employ someone licensed to shift asbestos?

In all seriousness I would get the asbestos issue looked into before moving a damn thing - once it's in your lungs, its just a matter of time....

Is that really true? Given the widespread use of asbestos before we discovered how dangerous it is most working men over 50 would prtobably have asbestosis by now.

Not saying you shouldn't be very careful with the stuff, obviously.

[Davel]

You need the test results to tell you if it is 'low grade or not'.

Either way any asbestos dust is dangerous, it's just that some dusts are more dangerous than others.

Personally, I get someone experienced to even remove the sample for testing.

Is it a significant amount to be removed or just one small area?

[monkeyhanger]

yertis said:

nwtony said:

Don't you have to employ someone licensed to shift asbestos?

In all seriousness I would get the asbestos issue looked into before moving a damn thing - once it's in your lungs, its just a matter of time....

Is that really true? Given the widespread use of asbestos before we discovered how dangerous it is most working men over 50 would prtobably have asbestosis by now.

White asbestos was only finally banned in 1999. The death rate is expected to peak sometime around 2020, at 10,000 deaths per year.

There are a lot of cases at the moment of family members of people who worked with the stuff in the 70's contracting asbestos-related diseases. Wives who washed their husband's work clothes etc.

Edited by monkeyhanger on Thursday 8th June 17:13

[J111]

nwtony said:

Don't you have to employ someone licensed to shift asbestos?

No, if it's cement asbestos board (like they used to make garages out of) you just have to dispose of it correctly.

Your local environmental health can give you plenty of advice, which I believe I have accurately reflected above - although I make no claim to be an expert source, on the safe handling of it.

nwtony said:

In all seriousness I would get the asbestos issue looked into before moving a damn thing - once it's in your lungs, its just a matter of time....

There is certainly cause for the utmost care.

[J111]

monkeyhanger said:

There are a lot of cases at the moment of family members of people who worked with the stuff in the 70's contracting asbestos-related diseases. Wives who washed their husband's work clothes etc.

Very true, sadly, especially in ship building areas of the country. Men would come back with greasy sweaty overalls, their wives would wash them, then shake them out to get rid of the remaining 'dust' - previously safely trapped by the grease and grime.

One very alarming related activity that still persists is the use of real sand for sandblasting. That carries very serious health risks (silicosis) and exposure is more readily gained in your home than is exposure to free asbestos fibres. (That killed my Grandad )

[pies]

If your near to Ashford (kent) the tip will accept asbestos so long as you wrap it as per there instructions

I think its the only council tip in the country that will

[driller]

nwtony said:

Don't you have to employ someone licensed to shift asbestos?

In all seriousness I would get the asbestos issue looked into before moving a damn thing - once it's in your lungs, its just a matter of time....

Well in the old place we're renovating I removed a 12" diameter 25 long asbestos pipe fixed to the side of the hous by smashing it in places with a hammer. In addition I'm digging trenches around the foundation and the previous owner buried a whole bunch of asbestos which I keep digging up from time to time.

[Pigeon]

I used to think asbestos was great stuff when I was a kid, because it was easy to drill and saw it.

[vipers]

Good that you are considering respiratory protection with your DIY, dont forget the safety glasses, and if need be, ear protection.

Remember if you are using a grinder, you dont need safety glasses, you need safety goggles.

The difference between the two is the strength, and a grinding wheel shattering is something to take precautions over, safety glasses will not give you the protection you need in this event.

Be safe, and good luck with the job.



P.S. Avoid asbestos like the plague