Particulate Respirator for Skate Sharpening?

[x-axis 44]

I'm currently wearing this:

I sharpen about 40 rental skates a day and have started to feel a little sick as in coughing and dark metal color snot. I sharpen outside in the open air and we don't have a ventilation system in conjunction with our portable sharpener. The company is new and I've had to learn a lot of everything on my own and through youtube.

Do you recommend any respirators specifically helpful to skate sharpening, or any added precautions I should take? I have about 8 more weeks worth of sharpening to do.

Thanks!

[Davetronz 109]

I used to wear a similar mask in a place with very poor ventilation and dust collector. It seemed to do the trick. The thing would be black by the end of an 8 hour shift.

I don't wear a mask anymore though. The ventilation and dust collector at my current place is top notch. No black lung, no snot issues. Should I still be wearing a mask, maybe, but if skate sharpening dust doesn't kill me, I'm sure something else will...

[Chadd 916]

That's a good idea, I've been wearing something similar lately. I really need to build a good dust collector.

[bolt91 31]

Make sure your mask has a really good seal to your face.

[wrangler 157]

In California, you can call the state OSHA, and they'll sample the air there for you, as a consultation. Then you'll know what the risks are. The shop management will have to make the request. No charge, no potential penalties.

[cooperalls 4]

That's the same mask I wear, I don't have any issues with dust getting past it. Not having any vacuum set up on the machine is tough though. Any way you could rig up a shop vac on the left side of the table just for when you dress the wheel? I would think you'd be ok with just the mask during sharpening. I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure the wheel dust is bad for you.

[wrangler 157]

My local OSHA rep says that the pictured mask should be adequate for particles, as long as you don't have a beard, and get a good seal on your face.

I mentioned testing earlier, as it will give you an idea of the size of the particles you're dealing with, and if there are also fumes. This knowledge allows you to select the proper protective gear.

[mojo122 535]

That N95 mask is the standard when it comes non-filtered/mechanical respiratory protection so long as you have a good seal.

[x-axis 44]

Thank you for all the great info.