Suitable facemask for cutting MDF+installing loft insulation

[DIYNotIan]

Hi

Got to lay some top up loft insulation over the next few days, and in a week or so I will be cutting some MDF to make some units.

Just wondered whether the cheap and nasty face masks you get from el cheapo shops will be good enough for doing these things, and if not whether someone can recommend what I should use.

After these jobs, I won't be doing anything similar for the foreseeable future - so I'd rather keep costs down. But not at the expense of my lungs!

Any advice would be great.

Cheers

Max

 

[opps]

Hi max the crap masks will be fine. For short term use.

The insulation would be fine with a tee shirt pulled up over your face- (ish!)

The mdf is a bit different- you might get a sore throat because of the resins, eg formaldehyde.

For that you might need a p2 rated (that is quite a low rating) mask, eg

http://www.dustmasksdirect.co.uk/index.asp

The loft insulation will be pretty well behaved but the old crap you pull out will be quite dusty.

Please wear long sleeves/trousers/gloves-- and shower with cold water after until you are sure that you are free of fibres

They make me itch- not quite as bad as falling into nettles but never the less..

 

[DIYNotIan]

Hey guys - back to face masks quickly. I've found the cheap ones break really quickly - I must have a big head!

So got one of these from Screwfix:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/26370...espiratory-Protection/Flexinet-P2-Valved-Mask

Things is, the leaflet that came with it says the mask is "suitable for use against solid, water and liquid based aerosols." Nowhere does it mention using the mask against dust type irritants. So will it be OK for use with MDF cutting and loft insulation?

Also, how disposable is it? Can I use it for a few days or will it become ineffective after one use?

Cheers

Max

 

[ladylola]

Yes that one will be fine, mdf dust being a "soild" dust as it were. Theyare disposible and I'm sure they are meant for one shift only , although I've used one of these type for 1/2 an hour and taken off and reused the next day. The important point to note is dampness inside the mask caused by your breath , it can be a breeding ground for germs. If you are worried chuck and use another , it's hardly going to cost a fortune over a few days. You can of course always use a vacuum attachment to your tools to reduce considerably the dust entering the atmosphere.