This presentation covers equipment that minimizes dust generation, and work practices

that reduce exposure to dust and fumes. Respirator selection and use are also covered.

1

To control or minimize the amount of dust and fumes you create and are

exposed to, you can use:

• Ventilation

• Special tools

• Work practices

• Personal protective equipment

2

Removing sanding dust at the source can be done by connecting sanders to

a central or portable vacuum system.

• The sander pictured on the left is attached to 2 hoses - the compressed

air hose and the vacuum system hose.

• The photo on the right shows a portable unit specific for collecting

aluminum dust. It has a water-based immersion separation tank, as well

as HEPA filters.

3

Welding fumes are removed using fume extractors.

Extractors can be:

• Portable

• Fixed

Most common in collision shops are the portable extractors.

4

When vacuum systems are not available, dust can be reduced at the source

using tools that have special features.

For example, this orbital sander generates its own vacuum. The HEPA-rated

bag, that directly attaches to the sander, collects the dust as it is generated,

removing it from the air.

Notice that this tool is connected only to the compressed air hose.

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Good work practices will limit your exposure, even when dust or fume

extractors are not available.

• When welding, keep your head out of the plume and always wear a

welding helmet.

• Use wet sanding methods. Be sure you are using sandpaper made

specifically for wet sanding.

• Vacuum instead of sweeping your area. This will reduce your exposure to

dust and prevent re-suspension. This practice may also lead to better

paint jobs.

• Do not use compressed air for cleaning objects or your clothes.

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Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to control exposure to dust:

• Use safety glasses anytime you generate high-speed particles (example: grinding.)

• To avoid drying of your hands, you can wear gloves. Be aware that prolonged

use of latex gloves can induce allergies. Nitrile gloves are a better choice.

• When working with fiberglass, it’s best to cover all exposed skin – use a body

suit.• When welding, use special equipment. At a minimum, wear welding-specific eye

protection, gloves, and an apron.

• The Handout for Part 1 of Dusts and Fumes indicates that the dust levels that

technicians can be exposed to are much lower than the OSHA limit. Unless

dust or fume levels exceed an OSHA limit, a shop owner is not required by OSHA to provide you a respirator and require you to wear it. However, the shop

owner can require you to wear a respirator for specific tasks. In this case, the

owner must provide you a respirator. Regardless of the dust levels, you may choose to wear a respirator.

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OSHA has specific requirements regarding respirators.

A business must have a written respiratory protection program if they require

employees to wear a respirator.

Key elements of a respirator program include:

• Medical evaluation

• Respirator fit testing

• Respirator training

The OSHA standard has special provisions if an employee chooses to wear a

respirator without being required to wear one. Talk to your instructor if you want to

know more about specific OSHA provisions.

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Tight-fitting respirators must:

• Cover your nose and mouth

• Create a complete seal with your face

• Incorporate at least one filtration element with known efficiency of

removing a contaminant

• Be secured in place with straps in such a way that the seal formed with

your face does not break while you work or when you speak

9

2-strap dust masks are a special type of respirators. Their entire surface is

the filtration element.

Each dust mask will have a code printed on it, or on the package or box.

N95s are the most common dust masks used in collision shops.

The code on the dust mask must include a letter: N, P or R, and a number:

95, 99 or 100.

The letter indicates filter’s resistance to oil, and the number indicate

the filter’s effectiveness.

Dust masks are tested and certified by the National Institute of Safety and

Health (NIOSH). You should always use a dust mask or respirator with the

NIOSH logo on it.

The dust mask on the left has an exhalation valve. Wearing this respirator will

be a bit more comfortable, as the warm and humid air you exhale leaves the mask

through the valve.

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2-Strap dust masks:

• Are disposable

• Cannot be cleaned. Do NOT blow them off with compressed air.

This damages the filter. The damage is not visible with the naked

eye.

• Replace the dust mask when it’s hard to breathe through it or if it

gets wet.

One-strap masks and surgical masks are NOT respirators! They are

designed to protect the patient not the user.

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How to put on a 2-strap dust mask:

Step 1 – Hold the respirator in one hand.

Step 2 – Place the respirator against your face with the nose piece on the

bridge of your nose. Next place the top strap high on the back of your head.

Move the bottom strip over your had and position it below your ears.

Step 3 – Use the fingers from both hands to mold the nose piece to the

shape of your nose.

Step 4 – Test the fit by cupping your hands over the respirator. Exhale

strongly. If air flows out around your nose, tighten the nose piece. If air

escapes around the edges, reposition the straps.

12

In addition to dust masks, you can use a respirator with replaceable filters for

protection from dust and fumes.

Each filter should have the same codes as on 2-strap dust masks.

P100 filters are used most often in shops. These filters or cartridges are

colored magenta, or will have a magenta label, as shown here.

Filters must be replaced when it’s hard to breathe through them or if

they get wet.

Do not clean filters using compressed air. This damages the filter. The

damage may not be visible with the naked eye.

Filters for dust and fumes do NOT protect you from paint vapors. Only

activated charcoal can retain chemical vapors!

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for putting on this type of respirator.

For more details refer to the presentation on Respirators - Part 1.

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A tight-fitting respirator is effective ONLY if it seals completely with the skin of

your face.

Always be clean-shaven when wearing a tight fitting respirator.

A properly fitting respirator does not allow any air to escape around the edge

of the mask.

If your glasses fog up when you put your respirator on, reposition or tighten

the mask and conduct fit checks.

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Respirator care:

• Store your respirator away from contamination and heat.

• Prevent changes in the shape of the facepiece. Do NOT fold a 2-strap

mask and put it in your pocket, unless it’s designed that way. Do NOT

store any tools or objects on top of a respirator.

• Do not clean filters with compressed air.

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In summary:

� Minimize exposure to dust and fumes using ventilation or special tools.

� Aluminum dust must be collected using a special extractor.

� Wear safety glasses when generating high-speed particles.

� 2-strap dust masks or respirator filters must have the words “NIOSH” and

a code such as N95 or P100 stamped on them or on the box.

Always be clean-shaven when you wear a respirator or dust mask!

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