Respirator vs. ventilation system

[SquareOneBeads]

You guys told me I need ventilation in my basement for working with my hothead. I can't afford that just yet so I was wondering if this would be good for now.

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/safety/occ_health_safety/node_GSSLZ86YY9gs/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_5SDD44F7DZge/bgel_GSJSGNPWPMbl/gvel_RL5PK085P3gl/theme_us_ohes_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html

I know a respirator isn't comfortable so isn't the prefered method of protection but it sure is a heck of a lot cheaper than a ventilation system :)

What do you guys think?

Heather

[Dale M.]

A respirator is not protection from combusion by products (NOx and carbon monoxide) most respirators are only good for particulate protection such as dust (frits) and fumes from metals when heated(fuming glass with gold)..

Only real protection from combustion by procucts hazards is fresh air, lots of it...

Dale

[MikeAurelius]

If you have two windows in your basement, and if your workstation is under one of them, it will be fairly easy and relatively inexpensive to make a TEMPORARY ventilation system.

Open the window as far as it will go and measure the opening. You will need the size of the smallest opening (if the window is rectangular). Let's say the window opening is 24" x 12". 12" is the smallest opening.

Visit your local hardware store/Home Depot/Lowes and look for a 12" (or whatever your smallest dimension is). Have your HHP (home handy person) cut up a piece of plywood or board insulation or even cardboard to fit the balance of the opening after the fan is in the window. Your HHP may need to make up a support or small platform for the fan, but this should be fairly easy to do.

Open up a window on the opposite side of the basement, and turn on the fan. If it is a multispeed fan, use the middle setting.

IMPORTANT: This is a TEMPORARY solution and should never be considered a permanent solution to ventilation, especially in a basement. What you are doing with this type of a set up is ensuring that you have fresh air coming into the basement and blowing out at least SOME of the hazardous byproducts from torch combustion.

It is a START, but not the complete job. It is better than nothing, but not as good as "proper" ventilation :wink: .