Working with solvent..

[aardvark]

I've got 261 sandstone tiles to strip. The old sealer looks shite and the new sealer going on is guaranteed for 15 years. I've done 66 tiles so far. At 5 or 6 an hour it shouldn't take me anymore than a good week to get the rest done.

But, I'm starting to wonder about the precaution I should take using the solvent. Do I really need a good respirator or are the little suckers like this ok?

I'm also wondering if it's really necessary to wear mad scientist goggles?http://content.etilize.com/Large/1011092265.jpg

I've got all the doors and windows of the house open and to be honest, it's a dead set pain in the arse wearing the little foam respirator.

Any advice from those in the know?

[bonester]

It should minimise the swine flu risk....

[robracer]

Jase,you should be using a respirator, any solvent is dangerous & I am guessing yours could have toluene (could be named phenylmethane, toluol or methylbenzene) in it which is pretty harmful in large doses, the word carcinogens springs to mind & the only way to avoid inhalation is a properly fitted filtered respirator suitable for solvent, the average cartridge would last about 6-8 hours. eye protection is a must as well but I am guessing you have got that one covered
My guys get the sack if they don't wear their respirators at work, its as simple as that

Solvent basic facts: Inhalation:
Low to moderate levels can cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, memory loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and hearing and color vision loss. These symptoms usually disappear when exposure is stopped. Inhaling high levels of toluene in a short time may cause light-headedness, nausea, or sleepiness. It can also cause unconsciousness, and even death. Toluene may negatively affect kidney function

[the kid]

The solvent and the sealer will have MSDS available , (material safety data sheets ) read em and then what Rob says .
No wonder ya bucket aint finished

[laidback]

Solvent basic facts: Inhalation:
Low to moderate levels can cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, memory loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and hearing and color vision loss. These symptoms usually disappear when exposure is stopped. Inhaling high levels of toluene in a short time may cause light-headedness, nausea, or sleepiness. It can also cause unconsciousness, and even death. Toluene may negatively affect kidney function

Fark there must be a lot of that stuff around here...describes me perfectly (except for the appetite)...or am I just getting old...

[aardvark]

Thanks guys. Found the MSDS:
http://www.tasmanchemicals.com.au/pdf/S ... olvent.pdf

Doesn't sound too bad.

Guess I'm off to buy a proper respirator. See if I can undo the damage caused by the last 2 days. Wearing it for 8 hours a day is going to be crap.

[robracer]

Main thing is your PPE:
Personal Protective Equipment :
Eye: Use chemical safety goggles and/or a full face shield where splashing is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.
Hands: Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or
coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Other: Overalls and protective footwear.
Respirator: If engineering controls are not effective in controlling airborne exposure then respiratory protective equipment should be used suitable for protecting against airborne contaminants. An organic vapour respirator ( AS 1715/1716) is the recommended respirator recommended for this product

[Damon Z1000]

Jase, if you can get hold of one of the carbon loaded paper masks it will be better than the one you are considering. If not go to your local automotive paint supplier and ask for a 3M 6000 series face mask with organic filters, you shouldn't pay anymore than around $60 and the filters are replaceable so you can keep the sucker for years.

[Smitty]

Jase, if you can get hold of one of the carbon loaded paper masks it will be better than the one you are considering. If not go to your local automotive paint supplier and ask for a 3M 6000 series face mask with organic filters, you shouldn't pay anymore than around $60 and the filters are replaceable so you can keep the sucker for years.

+1
Jase
As the solvents you are using have the same basis as the stuff used in body/auto spray shops, what Damon sez is 100%
I have a face mask like that used in auto body shops with 2 replacable (screw on) filters...had it for years and works a treat



my 2c

[aardvark]

To be honest, I was hoping you guys were going to say not to worry about it and provided I did it in a well ventilated area that I should be ok.

I guess that's how much the fumes have effected me!

I've had a gutsful of stripping these bloody things. I'm actually starting to wonder if it would be possible to sand and polish them instead.

[the kid]

Take a break Mate . Get a nice cuppa tea and get out to the shed and work on that bucket .

[craig]

wear gloves too seem to remember xylene is a skin absorbable neuro toxin as well as all the above

[Ratmick]

Mate you can't be too careful around organic solvents. Keep the family away from it too.

In fact don't let your goldfish swim in it either: R51/53 Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

Mick

[aardvark]

How long should the family be kept away from it after I've packed up for the afternoon?? I've had the house aired out all day and it still stinks of the shit.

[Ratmick]

I'd guess until the smell has gone at the very least. Sounds like a good reason to go on holidays or away for the weekend. A few years back we interstate for four days when we had our floorboards done. I'm not saying you have to get that far away, it was free accomodation with the now ex in-laws.

The solvent fumes are heavier than air and will be stronger closer to the floor. Keep this in mind for your little one.

Mick