Need better respiratory protection when milling grain

[jeff.stuffings]

I'm using this respirator from 3M when I mill:

http://www.staples.com/3M-Half-Facep...03:MMM6311PA1A

Unfortunately, I'm going home with a lot of wheezing and congestion. I mill about three days a week for about 3 hours at a time.

Can anyone recommend something that will provide better protection? I replace the filter pads of the respirator I'm currently using regularly.

Thanks

[sbradt]

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/NOR...182?Pid=search

combined with

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/NOR...&cm_vc=IDPBBZ2

Has always worked well for me (good for DE too)

If the links don't work, it's a North series 7700 half face respirator with a HEPA cartridge.

[liammckenna]

You should be looking for a p100 cartridge instead of the one you've got. Should make a big difference.

Particulate, not organic vapours should be your primary concern in a mask for milling.

You will probably be able to get 3M p100 cartridges for the respirator you already own.

Pax.

Liam

[schlosser]

The key with any respirator, be it a dust mask (yes, OSHA considers that a respirator) or one with cartridges is the fit on the person. If you have a lot of facial hair that prevents the respirator from making a good seal on the face, then you really negate most of the benefits of wearing one. We spent a lot of time and $ doing respirator fit tests on employees when I was with Genesee and in the end it is all about how good of a seal you are getting with the respirator to the face.

The other way to help is to remove the dust before it gets in the air. We utilized plywood around the mill and a shop vac for a rudimentary dust collection system that removes probably 95% of the dust before we could think about breathing it in.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Dave

[ButteBrewing]

I am an industrial hygienist (OSHA dude) turning brewery owner. This is my first post after lurking for 5 years soaking up all the great info. Now its my turn to try to help out.

I agree with the previous posts.

The best way to deal with dust is a local ventilation system to remove the dust before it gets airborne. Engineering controls are always better than personal protective equipment (respirator). If ventilation system is not practical then a P-100 cartridge (purple/magenta) is the appropriate cartridge as mentioned earlier in thread. Fit testing is required to ensure that the respirator size is appropriate. Fit testing is conducted to see if the respirator leaks by using a challenge agent (I use irritant smoke)while using P-100 cartridge.

Facial hair is not allowed in contact of the seal of the mask by the OSHA respiratory protection standard 29 CFR 1910.134. Facial hair causes leaks where the mask contacts the face. Another option is a Powered Air Purifying Respirator(PAPR) equipped with P-100 canister . Advantage is the air is filtered and then the air is pushed into the mask or shield in a positive pressure by a battery operated fan. Open hooded PAPR can be worn with beard because their is no seal (open hood) and the PAPR works with positive pressure. Air blows outward no dust inward.

Slainte,

Tony

[jeff.stuffings]

I appreciate the information

[wlg]

I have always been told an N95 dust mask was sufficent for grain milling. Untrue? Also can anyone tell me what cartridge is appropriate for working with acids commonly found in the brewery and if it is really even necessary? I usually wear one rated for Organic Vapors/ Acid Gases when working with Acid Number 5, 6, Acid Brite, or Paracetic, but my coworkers at every brewery I've been at just look at me like I'm crazy. Its amazing how little info there is on this stuff.

[paintz55]

Just want to add my $0.02.

I am VERY sensitive to malt dust. Wheeze for days after breathing dust in. I use a N95 mask and I have no issues.

I am dumbfounded at the degree of variance from person to person, brewery to brewery. If I am dumping bags into the mill, when we are receiving malt in silo, etc I always wear a mask. Everyone looks at me like I'm crazy. But I need the protection.

Everyplace I've worked at (now 3 breweries) I've been the only one concerned with wearing protection. I see guys sweeping out out malt trucks, covered in dust from boot to hat, not even minding one bit.

Last place I worked, the brewer had to shop vac dust out of the mill area, then clean the shop vac filter. I went pale when I saw the night brewer doing it, covered in dust, without a mask. It would have destroyed me. But he smoked 2 packs a day so he a) probably didn't care anyway and b) could handle 2 packs a day so his lungs were probably more tolerant than mine

[The Cellarman]

One of our brewers has a allergy to grain dust and malts. He has been provided with a full face mask with allergenic filters. He has not had any problems since this change has been made. We ordered it from Grainger. There are more than a hundred different options for full face. It's best to pick what is right for your application. If your grain room is inclosed, you also need intrinsically safe exhaust fans and lighting. The exhaust fans will help a great deal and it is an OSHA requirement.

Skylor Alexander

[ButteBrewing]

A N-95 filter means N = Not to be used with oil as oil will break down filter. 95 = 95% of all particles bigger than .3 microns will be removed.
A P-100 filter means P = Oil proof and can be used around oil. 100 = 99.97% of all particles bigger than .3 microns will be removed.

Many People will do fine with a N-95, but if you are allergic or sensitive to grain dust the P-100 is better than a N-95.

hopefully will help someone out there.