Analysis of breathing air quality in industrial air networks is essential. NF EN 12021 standard, Specifies requirements for compressed air quality for breathing purposes. In industry, the limit values ​​set by this standard must be observed when personnel are equipped with breathing apparatus (air supply systems, self-contained breathing apparatus, breathing air carts).

The NF EN 12021 standard regulates the analysis and control of some special parameters such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen content (O2), hygrometry (water content in breathable air), oil vapors (volatile organic compounds) and impurities (dust). .

PollutingPrescription
Oxygen%21 (+/- %1)
Kirlilikler< ulusal maruz kalma sınırı
Yağlayıcılar0,5 mg/m³
Koku ve tatYokluk
Karbondioksit CO2500 ppm
Karbon monoksit CO5 ppm
Su içeriği (*)Beklenen en düşük ortam sıcaklığında çiğ noktası < 5°C

 

* There should be no liquid water or risk of freezing. If operating conditions are unknown, the system dew point should not exceed -11°C.

Sandblasting, It is an industrial process that enables the stripping or cleaning of different types of surfaces by throwing sand grains, mostly from different natural minerals, at high speed. This process produces dust that is harmful to humans and the environment, so dust removal system installation and headgear as personal protective equipment or sandblasting mask Certain precautions must be taken, such as the use of

Sandblasting, spraying and airbrushing

Sandblasting process – also known as shot peening or airbrushing – is much easier and more efficient than using traditional stripping tools such as spatulas or wire brushes. It offers the opportunity to process large areas in record time. 

Sandblasting, It is mainly used to strip various materials (wood, stainless steel, steel, cast iron, aluminum, etc.) and coatings such as paint or other protective varnishes. It is also used to deoxidize metal parts (remove rust) and eliminate mold or lime deposits that may be present on various materials. It is also frequently used for decorative and aesthetic purposes, such as engraving on marble or glass, refinishing stones, or even treating jeans to give them a worn and shiny appearance.

Hoods and masks for sandblasting

However, even if this method is used in many areas, it should not be forgotten that sandblasting can cause serious health risks, therefore it is used as PPE (personal protective equipment). title or sandblasting mask It is necessary to take some precautions such as using: 

  • full face masks : Provides minimal protection, covers the entire face (nose, mouth and eyes). Half masks should be avoided as they do not protect the mucous membranes of the eyes; 
  • Powered air purifying respirators : These are more elaborate filtering devices that reduce respiratory effort by using a motorized ventilator that delivers filtered air directly to a facepiece (mask, visor, or hood); 
  • Air supply systems: These are respiratory protection equipment that offer the highest level of safety. with SCBAs They belong to the same family and are particularly suitable for long-term work.

High density sand thrust may cause skin irritation or eye injury from protrusions. These same dusts and particles are potentially explosive and must therefore be handled with care. nickel, silica or they may consist of toxic particles such as coal slag.

The biggest danger associated with sandblasting is that it can lead to silicosis, a potentially serious and sometimes fatal lung disease. This disease occurs when very fine particles (mostly silica found in sandblasting mixture) accumulate in the lungs and harden. Other potential risks should not be ignored (respiratory disorders, lead poisoning, lung cancer, cognitive damage, etc.). 

Although their toxicity has decreased in recent years, paints, varnishes and other coating products are not without danger to their users. Fumes from most products used in paints and varnishes a significant health risk creates . The work of the painter by the International Agency for Research on Cancer is classified as a high-risk business and paint mask The use of respiratory protection is strongly recommended.

Why should we use a paint mask? 

Whether you are a professional or amateur painter, you should take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from paint or varnish fumes. To protect against the undesirable effects of these products on health The use of respiratory protection equipment is strongly recommended.

Most paints or varnishes contain one or more of the following organic compounds that are very toxic and even carcinogenic or mutagenic: alcohols, benzene , butanol, butyl glycol, cresols, aromatic gasoline, ethanol , dichloroethylene, ethyl glycol, isopropanol, kerosene, methyls, perchlorethylene , phenols, styrene, turpentine, trichloroethylene, trichloroethane, toluene , white spirit, xylene, etc. Because, Using a paint mask is a matter of common sense , but which one should you choose?

  • Half mask Provides minimal protection. It covers the lower face but does not protect the eyes from irritating products.
  • Full face mask Provides moderate protection. It covers the entire face (respiratory tract and eyes), ideal for paints and varnishes containing alcohol, aromatic essences or trichlorethylene (very irritating to mucous membranes).
  • Motorized air-purifying respirator with mask or hood, It is for difficult, tiring and long-term work. However, as with half and full face masks, these filtering devices can only be used in the presence of an oxygen level greater than 19%.
  • Supplied air breathing The mask is the safest respiratory protective equipment in its class. It is the favorite device of painters in paint booths.

Filtering dust, particles, aerosols and organic compounds (see above for a non-exhaustive list of these compounds), depending on the type of paint or varnish used, for effective protection of the respiratory tract A2-P3 type filter cartridge is preferred.

paint protection suit  

In addition to a paint mask (half mask, respirator, assisted ventilation device or air supply mask) and to protect against allergies or skin irritations when spraying paint or varnish hazmat suit Highly recommended.

Whether disposable or reusable, aerosol and splash resistant category 3 type 4 or 5 protective clothing preferable. We recommend a type 3 liquid-tight suit for working in paint booths.

In this section all plant health protection You can find our equipment. From simple half masks (at least) or full masks equipped with A2-P3 filters to PAPR (powered air purifying respirators) and hazmat suits. We condemn the large number of poisonings each year with serious consequences resulting from the use of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers and other products harmful to health. All these products are monitored very closely and subject to various regulations.

Dangers of phytosanitary products

Phytosanitary treatment (the full term is phytopharmaceutical) is the act of treating plants to reduce the development of diseases and pests. It involves using pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, and other biological or synthetic products to treat plants. The use of these products is not trivial and providing phytosanitary protection is a matter of common sense.

Every year, many cases of poisoning occur, sometimes with serious consequences, ranging from temporary skin allergies to respiratory system irritation (asthma, difficulty breathing, etc.). Repeated exposure to phytosanitary products can lead to chronic poisoning with possible health consequences (cancer, child health, disruption of the reproductive system, etc.).

Which phytosanitary protection?

Caution must be exercised in all uses of chemical products and the use of EPI (individual protection equipment) must be remembered: Respiratory protection masks, gloves, chemical protection combinations, etc. These are very clearly marked on the product safety sheets.

Mask for phytosanitary treatment

Whether you are a farmer or a resident living near a treatment area (e.g. spraying), you should take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Wearing respiratory protection equipment is strongly recommended to protect against adverse effects associated with the use of chemical products:

  • Half masks It covers (at least) only the lower part of the face (nose and mouth) and does not protect the eyes from irritants.
  • Full face masks cover the entire face (nose, mouth and eyes) and are particularly suitable in toxic environments (such as chlorine or ammonia based products or nitrogenous fertilisers) that pose a potential danger to eye mucous membranes.
  • Powered air-purifying respirators are more elaborate filtration devices. Their main advantage is the reduction in respiratory effort thanks to a motorized fan that delivers filtered air directly to the facepiece (full face mask or hood) via a looped hose. Therefore, this equipment is better for demanding, tiring and long-term work.

For effective respiratory protection and to filter out dust, particles, aerosols and organic compounds (alcohol, aromatic gasoline, benzene, butyl glycol, phenols, turpentine, trichloroethylene, etc.), provided that the phytosanitary products used are respected. A2-P3 We may choose to use a filter cartridge.

Hazmat suits for phytosanitary treatment

In addition to respiratory protection (mandatory) and to protect yourself against allergies or skin irritations when spraying phytosanitary products such as pesticides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers, hazmat suiting is highly recommended.

Category 3, type 4 or type 5 clothing, whether disposable or reusable, resistant to aerosols and splashes of chemical or biological products, should be preferred; preferably made of polypropylene coated with a microporous film for its breathability and long-term operation.