Respirators.

[Jeana]

29 minutes ago, Grungedoll said:

Thank you for the ideas! I’m looking into it. I’ve been searching small places for rent and my fiancée and I have been asking around to see if anyone we know has garage space so hopefully something works out... no word yet though. I’ve been wanting to pour elsewhere for awhile now anyway. Do you think they’d allow a person to make candles in a storage unit...? Last I knew they didn’t have electricity in those, but I could be wrong! I’ve only ever shared one many years ago. What do you use for a shop?

I don’t know about the electricity in storage units really, I’m just throwing out ideas. I was lucky to get a small office space about 9 years ago. When I started I used one side of the shop as a hair salon, and made products on the other side of my shop. When I built up enough accounts I dropped off the hair part. That’s why I say you can get creative and make it work. 

[Grungedoll]

2 minutes ago, Jeana said:

I don’t know about the electricity in storage units really, I’m just throwing out ideas. I was lucky to get a small office space about 9 years ago. When I started I used one side of the shop as a hair salon, and made products on the other side of my shop. When I built up enough accounts I dropped off the hair part. That’s why I say you can get creative and make it work. 

Well that’s awesome... thank you for trying to help! I’m going to keep on looking.

[ncraiders]

yay something else to look at buying soon lol.  haven't really thought about need respirator.

[Laura C]

Hello and this is for anyone wanting to know more about safety masks or respirators, I just call them masks. Since I make candles & melts and use strong chemicals when I clean house I need a really good one and one that will be comfortable. I have been wanting to get a better mask but didn't really know which one to get so I've been doing some research and thought I'd share this important info with you all. As recommended on Lowe's website, they said to call 3M and talk to a customer service rep in order to determine the best mask for my needs, so I did.

 

Per 3M Customer Service 800-243-4630 / the rep suggested a few different masks to use when making candles and/or dealing with bleach and these two looked like some good options, IMO. They do sell them at Lowe's, on Amazon and probably at Home Depot. I want to actually see it in person before I buy it so I'm going to visit my local Lowe's soon. I want to make sure it will fit my face which is on the small side. Both of these masks have the NIOSH P100 rating, meaning they filter at least 95%, 99%, 99.97% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.

- all purpose safety mask model #62023DHA1-C

https://www.lowes.com/pd/3M-Reusable-All-Purpose-Valved-Safety-Mask/3652534
- chemical safety mask model #65023QLHA1-C
https://www.lowes.com/pd/3M-Reusable-Chemical-Valved-Safety-Mask/1000040243

 

Here's some helpful links.

NIOSH-Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/default.html

Respirator Trusted-Source Information

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/respsource1quest2.html

 

In addition to the other info and links for masks posted on here I hope this will be helpful to someone or at least get you going in the right direction. 

Edited February 21, 2019 by Laura C

[Laura C]

On 5/25/2018 at 3:11 AM, Jeana said:

When I started I used one side of the shop as a hair salon, and made products on the other side of my shop. When I built up enough accounts I dropped off the hair part. 

 

Cool, I used to be a licensed beautician many years ago myself.

[Trappeur]

I bought one a few weeks ago....I'll get the info on it.

 

Trappeur

[Laura C]

Hello Everyone.

Including the other post I made above, here's more info on the topic of respirators (personal safety gear). Since I have bookmarked this info, wanted to share it. If anyone has additional tips or info, feel free to share. I've seen some with great reviews but does anyone use a "P" rated respirator that they recommend? I want it to be reusable, comfortable, adjustable and the quick release type. This one looks and sounds good and has great reviews but doesn't have the quick release feature. https://www.lowes.com/pd/3M-Reusable-Painting-Valved-Safety-Mask/1000035337

 

From the reading I have been doing, it looks like candle makers should use one of these types of respirators (P rated). The Ratings info came from the below link: "Types of Respirator Masks per HomeDepot".

P Ratings are oil proof

• P95 – filters at least 95% of airborne particles
• P99 – filters at least 99% of airborne particles
• P100 – filters at least 99.7% of airborne particles

Respirator Selection Info per 3M https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/safety-centers-of-expertise-us/respiratory-protection/respirator-selection/

Respirator Selection Guide per 3M https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/639110O/3m-respirator-selection-guide.pdf

Types of Respirator Masks per HomeDepot https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-respirator-masks/9ba683603be9fa5395fab907a681adb

 

I don't know how reliable these below size charts are, probably best to contact 3M or the mask maker of your choice and ask about proper fit and sizes. Those were the best charts I could find. For instance, per the "Size Picker" chart, I would need a Large respirator. I was surprised because I assumed I needed a Medium. I'm going to call 3M and talk to someone to confirm the size before I buy one.

Respirator Sizing Guide https://artprimo.com/catalog/images/misc/art-primo-respirator-sizing-guide-m.jpg

Respirator Size Picker https://www.sheffield-pottery.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/respirator-size-picker.jpg

Edited July 28, 2019 by Laura C

[Jeana]

1 hour ago, Laura C said:

Hello Everyone.

Including the other post I made above, here's more info on the topic of respirators (personal safety gear). Since I have bookmarked this info, wanted to share it. If anyone has additional tips or info, feel free to share. I've seen some with great reviews but does anyone use a "P" rated respirator that they recommend? I want it to be reusable, comfortable, adjustable and the quick release type. This one looks and sounds good and has great reviews but doesn't have the quick release feature. https://www.lowes.com/pd/3M-Reusable-Painting-Valved-Safety-Mask/1000035337

 

From the reading I have been doing, it looks like candle makers should use one of these types of respirators (P rated). The Ratings info came from the below link: "Types of Respirator Masks per HomeDepot".

P Ratings are oil proof

• P95 – filters at least 95% of airborne particles
• P99 – filters at least 99% of airborne particles
• P100 – filters at least 99.7% of airborne particles

Respirator Selection Info per 3M https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/safety-centers-of-expertise-us/respiratory-protection/respirator-selection/

Respirator Selection Guide per 3M https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/639110O/3m-respirator-selection-guide.pdf

Types of Respirator Masks per HomeDepot https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-respirator-masks/9ba683603be9fa5395fab907a681adb

 

I don't know how reliable these below size charts are, probably best to contact 3M or the mask maker of your choice and ask about proper fit and sizes. Those were the best charts I could find. For instance, per the "Size Picker" chart, I would need a Large respirator. I was surprised because I assumed I needed a Medium. I'm going to call 3M and talk to someone to confirm the size before I buy one.

Respirator Sizing Guide https://artprimo.com/catalog/images/misc/art-primo-respirator-sizing-guide-m.jpg

Respirator Size Picker https://www.sheffield-pottery.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/respirator-size-picker.jpg

 

Have you seen these? https://www.rockler.com/gvs-elipse-p100-half-mask-respirators?sid=V9146?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_XpBRCCARIsAItJiuTkR3VW8mU5rhUrxCqscB2JC-j2nz_MUB4jTR_pOEa4JJXtYXEUzJQaAiRBEALw_wcB

 

I love this mask. I get the s/m. I used to wear the regular masks like the 3m you posted. I could never find one small enough for me, and they are hard to work with them on for a few hours at a time, they are very heavy and made my neck hurt. The filters stick out far and it's hard to see while you look down to work too. The Ellipse mask is super light weight, easy to get on and off, and the filters are close to your face so you can look down and see your work easier. I wear this mask for 3-4 hours sometimes, and it never hurts my face, or neck. You have to get the p-100 charcoal filters for the vapor protection. 

[Laura C]

13 minutes ago, Jeana said:

Have you seen these? https://www.rockler.com/gvs-elipse-p100-half-mask-respirators?sid=V9146?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_XpBRCCARIsAItJiuTkR3VW8mU5rhUrxCqscB2JC-j2nz_MUB4jTR_pOEa4JJXtYXEUzJQaAiRBEALw_wcB

 

I love this mask. I get the s/m. I used to wear the regular masks like the 3m you posted. I could never find one small enough for me, and they are hard to work with them on for a few hours at a time, they are very heavy and made my neck hurt. The filters stick out far and it's hard to see while you look down to work too. The Ellipse mask is super light weight, easy to get on and off, and the filters are close to your face so you can look down and see your work easier. I wear this mask for 3-4 hours sometimes, and it never hurts my face, or neck. You have to get the p-100 charcoal filters for the vapor protection. 

 

Awesome @Jeana, thank you so much for telling me about that. I had forgotten about that type of respirator. That's probably what I'll get and yes, P100 all the way. It looks and sounds perfect and even better when a candle maker like you recommends it and loves it. I was wondering about those issues you brought up with the 3M masks, they look heavy and I have neck problems. In the reviews some people mentioned that their glasses don't set properly with the mask on. I wear glasses. Do you wear glasses? Do you have that problem? I'll see if they have a size chart or maybe I can call them and ask.

[NightLight]

Slightly off and on topic. I suffered from migraines. 3 - 5 day ones. Hid under the covers with a heat pack on my head type. I tried every prescription medicine out there. Did magnesium etc.What worked. Was iodine insufficient!  I used iodoral, then found out hypothyroid.

If you suffer look into it. Iodoral also works for painful breast syndrome ( I’m fun tonight). Started taking it and it was a miracle cure for me. Lots of info on web. If you are of a certain age, get thyroid checked. If you are what they call in range you can suffer symptoms, which is what happened to me and I was ignored by doctor.

[Jeana]

1 hour ago, Laura C said:

 

Awesome @Jeana, thank you so much for telling me about that. I had forgotten about that type of respirator. That's probably what I'll get and yes, P100 all the way. It looks and sounds perfect and even better when a candle maker like you recommends it and loves it. I was wondering about those issues you brought up with the 3M masks, they look heavy and I have neck problems. In the reviews some people mentioned that their glasses don't set properly with the mask on. I wear glasses. Do you wear glasses? Do you have that problem? I'll see if they have a size chart or maybe I can call them and ask.

I wear glasses or my safety glasses. They are a bit awkward, but not enough to get frustrated with. My glasses are just a little off placement of where they are suppose to sit. 

You can get these at other places cheaper. I think one place on amazon recently had them for $15. The filters that come with them are usually not the vapor filters, you have to order them separately. The regular filters are still rated P100, but the odor filters with the charcoal make a big difference. 

When I'm making a lot of strong candles I still get whiffs of the scent sometimes. Just warning you because when I first got it, I was a little annoyed that the scent wasn't 100% blocked out. It still keeps me from feeling sick from all the FO fumes. I'm very scent sensitive after working with scents for so long now. I also use it when mixing my lye for soap, and when I make bath bombs. I used this mask when I was renovating parts of my house. This this is an incredible particle mask. I did a lot of sanding and cement grinding with it on, and none of that got in my lungs. 

Edited July 29, 2019 by Jeana

[Laura C]

23 minutes ago, Jeana said:

I wear glasses or my safety glasses. They are a bit awkward, but not enough to get frustrated with. My glasses are just a little off placement of where they are suppose to sit. 

You can get these at other places cheaper. I think one place on amazon recently had them for $15. The filters that come with them are usually not the vapor filters, you have to order them separately. The regular filters are still rated P100, but the odor filters with the charcoal make a big difference. 

When I'm making a lot of strong candles I still get whiffs of the scent sometimes. Just warning you because when I first got it, I was a little annoyed that the scent wasn't 100% blocked out. It still keeps me from feeling sick from all the FO fumes. I'm very scent sensitive after working with scents for so long now. I also use it when mixing my lye for soap, and when I make bath bombs. I used this mask when I was renovating parts of my house. This this is an incredible particle mask. I did a lot of sanding and cement grinding with it on, and none of that got in my lungs. 

 

Excellent, this sounds like a great mask and a good one for me too. Thanks for pointing that out about the included filters. I'll be sure to check that and get the P100s with charcoal. Unfortunately, I too am very sensitive to dust and chemical odors/vapors, they are migraine triggers for me, even some FOs have triggered migraines. When I clean the house I have to use a mask and I avoid bleach like the plague. 😷

[Laura C]

1 hour ago, NightLight said:

Slightly off and on topic. I suffered from migraines. 3 - 5 day ones. Hid under the covers with a heat pack on my head type. I tried every prescription medicine out there. Did magnesium etc.What worked. Was iodine insufficient!  I used iodoral, then found out hypothyroid.

If you suffer look into it. Iodoral also works for painful breast syndrome ( I’m fun tonight). Started taking it and it was a miracle cure for me. Lots of info on web. If you are of a certain age, get thyroid checked. If you are what they call in range you can suffer symptoms, which is what happened to me and I was ignored by doctor.

 

Oh wow, glad to hear you were able to figure out what was wrong and correct it. I believe having good health is our greatest asset. Migraines are nothing to play around with and they are absolutely brutal. I know what you mean, I would be totally incapacitated, had to go to bed. Felt like a drill going through my head, nausea, no tolerance for light, sound, smells, couldn't stand anything. One time I had to go to the emergency room and get a shot I was in so much pain and the pain wouldn't stop. A couple of times I had to be picked up from work and driven home so I could go to bed. About 5 years ago a doctor finally helped me, she put me on a daily dose of vitamin B2 and magnesium oxide and thank goodness that has worked for me. She was a blessing. From what I've read magnesium oxide is the best type of magnesium for migraines, for some reason. I rarely get a migraine anymore and if I do it's because I was in dust or chemicals without wearing a mask. Maybe sharing our stories can help someone that is suffering. 👍

[Laura C]

3 hours ago, Jeana said:

 

Have you seen these? https://www.rockler.com/gvs-elipse-p100-half-mask-respirators?sid=V9146?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_XpBRCCARIsAItJiuTkR3VW8mU5rhUrxCqscB2JC-j2nz_MUB4jTR_pOEa4JJXtYXEUzJQaAiRBEALw_wcB

 

I love this mask. I get the s/m. I used to wear the regular masks like the 3m you posted. I could never find one small enough for me, and they are hard to work with them on for a few hours at a time, they are very heavy and made my neck hurt. The filters stick out far and it's hard to see while you look down to work too. The Ellipse mask is super light weight, easy to get on and off, and the filters are close to your face so you can look down and see your work easier. I wear this mask for 3-4 hours sometimes, and it never hurts my face, or neck. You have to get the p-100 charcoal filters for the vapor protection. 

 

For anyone interested, I noticed a size guide halfway down the page at the Amazon link for this mask https://www.amazon.com/GVS-SPR449-Elipse-Nuisance-Medium/dp/B016630UJU/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6XJBHJEM68AZZ9QZQ1N9#feature-bullets-btf

[jerry]

Do folks wear a respirator when making soap too? Probably, but just checking...small 4 lb batch max.

[Jeana]

2 minutes ago, jerry said:

Do folks wear a respirator when making soap too? Probably, but just checking...small 4 lb batch max.

I wear mine when mixing the lye. If I'm making several batches I'll keep it on. But if it's only one or two I usually take it off, unless I'm having a bad breathing day or working with FOs. I have some asthma/allergies sometimes. I do much better with EO soaps than FO soaps. 

[jerry]

Thanks @Jeana. I've been lazy and mixing the lye outside and not wearing one. I primarily make EO soaps - and I soap cool - but recently had some FO special orders and this thread has me thinking I need to have that respirator on. It really doesn't smell strong, but if I were to make bigger batches/several loaves at a time, it makes sense. I watch soaping videos, and I don't think one person I've watched wears a mask...very interesting. Excellent food for thought!

[Laura C]

Something to think about. Have you ever noticed, at least with candle making supplies, that the warning labels say Do Not inhale the fumes and I think the MSDS sheets say that for waxes too. I think it says that on all my FOs. So I wonder, how am I suppose to sniff the scent to see if I like it? Per their warnings, I shouldn't, LOL. IDK. I usually just wave the bottle lid 4-5 inches away from my nose in order to smell it. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[Laura C]

3 hours ago, jerry said:

Thanks @Jeana. I've been lazy and mixing the lye outside and not wearing one. I primarily make EO soaps - and I soap cool - but recently had some FO special orders and this thread has me thinking I need to have that respirator on. It really doesn't smell strong, but if I were to make bigger batches/several loaves at a time, it makes sense. I watch soaping videos, and I don't think one person I've watched wears a mask...very interesting. Excellent food for thought!

 

That's a good point but they probably wouldn't be easy to hear or understand in the video if they had on a mask, LOL. In my opinion, if the materials they are working with require safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, respirator, etc. and they choose not to wear them then they should tell you that so you will know of any hazard. Things don't have to smell strong in order to be harmful and ventilation and exposure times needs to be considered too.

Edited July 29, 2019 by Laura C

[jerry]

4 hours ago, Laura C said:

I usually just wave the bottle lid 4-5 inches away from my nose in order to smell it. 

Same.  

[Laura C]

21 hours ago, Jeana said:

Have you seen these? https://www.rockler.com/gvs-elipse-p100-half-mask-respirators?sid=V9146?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_XpBRCCARIsAItJiuTkR3VW8mU5rhUrxCqscB2JC-j2nz_MUB4jTR_pOEa4JJXtYXEUzJQaAiRBEALw_wcB

 

I love this mask. I get the s/m. I used to wear the regular masks like the 3m you posted. I could never find one small enough for me, and they are hard to work with them on for a few hours at a time, they are very heavy and made my neck hurt. The filters stick out far and it's hard to see while you look down to work too. The Ellipse mask is super light weight, easy to get on and off, and the filters are close to your face so you can look down and see your work easier. I wear this mask for 3-4 hours sometimes, and it never hurts my face, or neck. You have to get the p-100 charcoal filters for the vapor protection. 

 

Done. I just ordered this respirator on Amazon and the extra filters with the charcoal, for organic vapors. Thanks again for the info @Jeana.

[Jeana]

2 hours ago, Laura C said:

 

Done. I just ordered this respirator on Amazon and the extra filters with the charcoal, for organic vapors. Thanks again for the info @Jeana.

Let me know if you like it. I hope you do.

[Dana]

I am freaking out right now! I have been pouring for 15+ years and NEVER wore a mask! Yesterday I poured for 8+ hours, then came home and made hot process soap. My shop is big and all open space (1250 sq ft, w/ another 350 sq ft gift shop, but I close that door) but I keep the windows closed most days, to keep down the drafts so they set up nice. I do take a walk and get fresh air between the candle pouring and the soap making. Yesterday was one of those days where I poured so many different scents, that I get a little scratchy throat so started thinking about the safety thing. I am REALLY mad at myself for not wearing a mask all these years! And hear I buy organic foods, never clean with chemicals, don't take any kind of medicine unless its an herb....and I go and pour with these dangerous f/0 and dont even think of wearing a mask?! Now mind you, its not every day I pour like this, just this time of year, but still.....I am freaking out. What have I done to my body?! I need to do a major DETOX! 

[candlesinflorida]

I know this thread is old, but I think there were a couples things left unanswered...and I am very curious about the potential answers. 

1- regarding volatile compounds, they can stay in the space forever?

2-the storage locker is not a bad idea, especially if the candles and all the supplies can be stored there, instead of your kitchen! But don't the storage locker places have a rule against working or conducting business inside the lockers?? I would think artists would be renting them all the time to use as studios, no? And I would also think there would be rules about flammable materials, heat and chemicals, etc. 

I have never rented a storage locker in my life so I have no idea!