[AT] respirators and Isocyanates (Urethane paint)

[Steve W.]

John Wilkens wrote:
> Thought it's about time I got serious about tractor painting and my 
> health!   Can anyone suggest an affordable air-supplied face 
> mask/hood that I could hook up to my air supply?  I'm starting to do 
> a lot more painting with catalyzed paint (mostly acrylic urethanes) 
> and I don't have a multi gazzillion dollar vented paint 
> booth.....just an empty wood shed.....until the weather get good 
> enough for outside painting.  The more I read about the nasty 
> isocyanates in paint catylists the more I think I'd better protect my 
> lungs!  Looking for ideas.       John W.
> 
>                     In the wide-open spaces of NE Oregon
>    
> 

You will NOT want to directly connect it to your current air supply.

Get one of the filtration/regulator breathing air rigs and mount it on 
the wall.

http://snipurl.com/22ffc  [www3_3m_com]

Or buy one that can connect to your belt and supplies spraying air AND 
breathing air.

http://www.bullard.com/Respiratory/air_respirators/index.shtml

I use Devilbiss unit with a self contained turbine compressor. It uses 
an activated carbon filter and sits outside the spray area as well.

Or if you want a different system get a hold of a firefighter and see if 
you can get a retired SCBA unit and connect the regulator and mask up 
using one of the filter units to clean the air.
If you were closer I'd ship you one of the Inter-Spiro units we have. We 
have two of them that came from a chemical plant. They have NEVER been 
used other than practice. They use a special plastic backpack, great for 
chemicals, but not great to wear in a fire!


-- 
Steve Williams
Firefighter,EMT
VanHornesville Vol. Fire Dept