Replies

1. 
   Kurt_Allen | Mar 29, 2001 08:58pm | #1

   *
   Dan,

   I used to work in a shop where you couldn't have a beard because of regulations (OSHA, EPA, etc.) dealing with the requirements for respirators we used when spraying various hazardous materials. It seems to me that the full face mask solution is the only proper answer altho probably expensive and as you said not always practical. If not concerned with official regs then you should try to protect yourself the best way you can, even if it doesn't fit perfect. Something is always better than nothing.

   Watch out for those chemicals - a third arm growing out of the side of your neck is never attractive!

   Kurt

1. 
   David_Doud | Mar 29, 2001 09:49pm | #2

   *I share your pain - I get 3-M masks from an automotive store - about a buck a piece - two head straps hold it tight against your face - I rotate masks every half hour or so as they get damp - for non-toxic dust they are good enough - I do have a 'Casco' full face helmet designed for Ag Chemical use with a belt held battery pack and facility to plug into 12V - never have used it in the shop - cost about $800 - ridiculously expensive - got it after an experience several years ago with a formulation of fungicide that had a spreader-sticker that I could taste coming out of my lungs for 3 months after application - fortunately I'm now working in a system where I handle only a small fraction of the chems I used to -Gemplers (on the web) has a series of different masks better than hardware cheapies, all the way up to forced air helmets, you might check them out and find something appropriate - Never had any trouble with a third arm, but the third leg has got me into hot water -

1. 
   TAB | Mar 29, 2001 10:21pm | #3

   *Dan:I'm an industrial chemist (with a beard, sometimes). There is no solution to the problem except for something that actually delivers air to your face. All of the half mask, face mask, face filter, etc.. options rely on a seal around your face that hair (even stubble) won't allow.I have a hood at work. In my home shop, when things are bad, but in a minor sort of way (hardwood dust), I use a Moldex half mask. It's hot, awkward and probably on 20 - 30% effective at knocking down the particulate load. When things are bad, I either bring it into work and do it in my hood (probably not an option for you!) or I shave. b You cannot prevent small molecule (e.g. formaldehyde, ammonia) or solvent (e.g. methanol, pet. ethers, mineral spirits, etc..) exposure without an airtight seal. There's really no other choice, except an air delivery/full face system. Trust me, I've looked. Sorry for the bad news, but don't let anyone tell you otherwise.-t

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton_ | Mar 30, 2001 02:52am | #4

   *Dan --- Like you, I need a dust mask that fits over a beard and doesn't interfere with glasses. In addition, I don't want a big filter that blocks my view downwards, and I want straps that keep the thing on my face. After lots of searching, I found the 3M series 6000 mask. It is a rubber half-mask with replaceable filters. The filters are to the sides, and it has good straps. It is built in three different sizes, so you can select the correct one to fit your face. As the other guys have pointed out, our beards prevent the tight fit necessary to eliminate vapors. However, this mask does a good job of keeping sawdust out. I bought mine from Enviro-Safety Products at a woodworking fair, where I had the opportunity to try out all the different sizes. If you can't find ESP at a fair, I suggest mail-ordering the large size and the medium size, and using the one that fits better. The masks cost $14 or so. You can buy several different kinds of replaceable filters for the mask. I use the P100 particulate filters at $6 per pair. Me, I'd have cheerfully paid $100 for a mask that really works. http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com 1 800 637 6606 Jamie

1. 
   Alan_Kim | Mar 30, 2001 03:04am | #5

   *Racal used to make a positively charged full-face shield/helmet/mask with a rechargeable battery pack/fan unit that blows air into the headset.It's the best (and pricy) I've seen, especially for bearded folks.I've seen the same item advertised under a different name last several years.Used to be around $350 - not sure what the current price is.This type of mask was mentioned in one of the Taunton Press publications - maybe in Fine Woodworking ?

2. 
   RichMast_ | Mar 31, 2001 12:12am | #6

   *Guys, for non-fumes (dust, etc.) Airware makes a positive flow full face shield for $159. Check out http://www.airwareamerica.com/prod03.htm for details. Hope this helps, Bearded Rich.

3. 
   Alan_Kim | Mar 31, 2001 02:37am | #7

   *Thanks for posting the web address - I recognize the Airmate, which is the name RACAL used and seems to retain all the old features.Looks like the price is about $150 more expensive also.

4. 
   Shoeman_ | Mar 31, 2001 04:07am | #8

   *Don't know if this will do the trick or not, but, I saw them at the Seattle woodworking show a year or two ago and some of the people there were swearing that they were the best mask for people with beards. Worth a look. http://www.dustbeegone.com I tried one and found it to work well for not fogging up glasses.

5. 
   Ron_Rosa | Mar 31, 2001 04:59am | #9

   *I have three options for you. Shick, Gilette and Electric Razor .

6. 
   Alan_Kim | Mar 31, 2001 01:52pm | #10

   *Don't forget Nair and hotwax.But those positively charged fullhead masks are also great for folks without facial hair.

7. 
   CaseyR_ | Apr 03, 2001 02:56am | #11

   *Back when I wore a beard, I kept it trimmed to about a half an inch and found that I could get a tight seal with my Wilson full face mask. If not, you might try a thick layer of vasoline around where the mask hits your face...

2. 
   Dan_MacDaniel | Apr 03, 2001 02:56am | #12

   *
   We've talked about dust masks for people with glasses. What about masks that work for those of us with beards. I don't have much experience with anything other than the cheapies off the hardware store rack, but I wonder while using them if they are much better than nothing at all considering the poor seal they must be making around my face. I remember a Fine Woodworking article some time ago about vapor masks which could only recommend full-face, positive pressure masks for bearded users. Not very practical away from the shop. Do any of you have any recommendations, experience-based or otherwise?