MSA millenium mask

[MapleLeafUp]

Anyone know how good these are? I work styrene and other chemicals and i need a good mask, last week a feller got some severe rashes on his face and breathing problems. Also are used gas masks any good? I mean not trashed military ones but swat/riot/civi gas masks ok for use?

[yiorgo]

dont go with used gas masks and do not use filters that are past there dates(Expired filters will lose their effectiveness and can become harmful & even poisonous if used!)this is the mask you want......its the best out there


http://www.botac.com/micsafm95.html

[FmrGovEmp]

MapleLeafUp,

Hate to make it more complicated--but if you need it for work then your employer should provide it for you based upon your exposure level (to styrene and whatever else is there).

If you just want it for yourself, don't get the Millenium or any other riot/military masks especially a used one!!--they are not rated or designed for industrial exposures. If you like the MSA products, then go for the Advantage 1000, it's less expensive than the Millenium but made from the exact same facepiece mold--which should be familiar to US military as the 'newer' USAF mask. (not a product endorsement!!!) The Advantage 1000 is rated to take several different types of filters/cartridges, the Millenium is really only rated as a CBRN/Homeland Security type. Do you need the full-face piece/eye protection type? Consider a half-mask, it's even less expensive and more comfortable because of the lighter weight.

Anyway, I could go on--but bottom line is read the product literature, get the right filter/cartridge for what you are exposed to. Example, if you work wood or machine fiberglass, then your exposure is to particulates and not vapors. If you work with laying up fiberglass and/or liquids then your exposure is to vapors---all the respirator companies make separate filters (particulates), cartridges (vapors, gases), and combinations.

[MapleLeafUp]

They said the levels are fine for humans, which i call bulls@*t on.They supplied us with organic vapor masks. But i dont want any kinda rash from this crap. I want full face protection. When i first started working there i got some resin dripped on my neck within a 5 hour span i already had a full blown rash, and in afew days more i was scabbing all nasty like.

[FmrGovEmp]

What country are you in? If your employer is giving you an organic vapor mask it sounds like there is a legal requirement to have a respiratory protection plan in place---in which case, under most countries laws that do have occupational safety and health laws, you as worker for that company, have certain rights....

If they're telling you that the levels are safe for humans, ask to see the sampling/monitoring data that shows that and the acceptable government levels/regulations it is being compared to.

You say that some dripped upon you and a co-worker, sounds like you need protective clothing---or parts thereof. Like a Tyvek overall, or hood and sleeves-something like that.

Maybe you guys are allergic to rubber, ask for a silicone facepiece, maybe the masks are not being kept cleaned. When you wear a mask for a while that is dirty, and then add sweat--you could easily develop a rash around the sealing surfaces.

Lots of variables--is your company a big employer and do they have thier own health and safety people or contractors? If it's a small company, in the US most states have what is called the state consultation office either out of the local state department of labor and sometimes out of a university program.

Again, don't use the SWAT/RIOT or military mask, it's not made for that, organic vapor is the correct cartridge type for styrene---

[MapleLeafUp]

I live in the US we have OSHA come in every 6-12 months and the health department. Ive seen the samples and everything. Even when it says its safe, it still says long exsposure to chemicals can cause some nerve disorders,kidney and liver problems. I never trust government OK's. We do get coveralls but the dont work worth a ****, there just like denim, once something gets on them it soaks right thru.