What eye protection is best with Plasma Cutter

[swines]

What type of respirator do you use with plasma?

Because I work in both metal and wood, and then paint / finish the projects I've built - I use one style of respirator for that work. It's a standard 3M dual-cartridge type with organic vapor cartridges. I use dust/particle pre-filters at the front of the organic vapor cartridges.

I can use the same respirator for painting using standard paints, wood finishes, lacquers, vinyl coatings, and polymer coatings. The only time I change respirators is when I use two-part, catalyzed paint systems.

When I paint using catalyzed products containing isocyanates I use a different respirator. It is a full face mask, dual cartridge respirator that has 3M 6051 and 5925 filters rated for short periods of use with isocyanates. I paint outdoors with catalyzed paints as I don't have a paint booth or a fresh air delivery system. I time the amount of painting exposure to products with isocyanates, and the filters are changed after 60 minutes of use.

 

[sixdogs]

Because I work in both metal and wood, and then paint / finish the projects I've built - I use one style of respirator for that work. It's a standard 3M dual-cartridge type with organic vapor cartridges. I use dust/particle pre-filters at the front of the organic vapor cartridges.

I can use the same respirator for painting using standard paints, wood finishes, lacquers, vinyl coatings, and polymer coatings. The only time I change respirators is when I use two-part, catalyzed paint systems.

When I paint using catalyzed products containing isocyanates I use a different respirator. It is a full face mask, dual cartridge respirator that has 3M 6051 and 5925 filters rated for short periods of use with isocyanates. I paint outdoors with catalyzed paints as I don't have a paint booth or a fresh air delivery system. I time the amount of painting exposure to products with isocyanates, and the filters are changed after 60 minutes of use.

Very interesting that there is a respirator for limited use with isocyanates. That's good news because I could never paint iso's since I did not have a supplied air system. That mask and filter are on my shopping list. I paint outside so that should work fine. Thanks for the tip.

EDIT--I just confirmed this with 3M . Your numbers are from Australia/New Zealand. The US number for the filter is 60921 and no prefilter is called for but I might put one on anyway. Change frequently.

3M; Pesticide/Organic Vapor P1 Filter Cartridges | GEMPLER'S

 

[swines]

Your numbers are from Australia/New Zealand.

Interesting. I purchased the filters on-line, and I don't remember the vendor. I got the numbers I provided in my post from the filter boxes in my equipment cabinet. I've copied down the number you've provided for future reference. Thanks for the additional information.

 

[sixdogs]

Interesting. I purchased the filters on-line, and I don't remember the vendor. I got the numbers I provided in my post from the filter boxes in my equipment cabinet. I've copied down the number you've provided for future reference. Thanks for the additional information.

This really is big news since using a respirator with iso's was a no-no and the only way to paint was with supplied air. Now, with the 3M filters and painting outside I can now use a hardener to really get a great finish.

 

[Phillip w]

Don't know about a respirator, I've never used one. Yeah fab and welding work isn't clean and probably not good to breath. What I can tell you is WATCH YOUR EYES. Where at least protection with a 5 rating or stronger. A plasma cutter can give you "flash burn" just like a welder. Been there, done that, and got the doctor bill to prove it. Good luck to everyone on the endeavors and stay safe.

 

[sixdogs]

Let me ask a question. I also have some shade 5 glasses from a high class welding shop that I never got around to using but don't have the packaging to say if they are UV protected as well as the shade 5. Are most shade 5 welding glasses UV protected as well?

 

[Will S]

Let me ask a question. I also have some shade 5 glasses from a high class welding shop that I never got around to using but don't have the packaging to say if they are UV protected as well as the shade 5. Are most shade 5 welding glasses UV protected as well?

Is there a name on them, that you can search for the info?

Recently watched a youtube vid of an interesting test; 2 (typical) full-face auto-dark helmets, where it was shown that even when not triggered to go dark, they still provide 100% UV block. I never thought about that before, but good to know.

 

[jgriffin1720]

shade 5 goggles or glasses are fine for any plasma cutting at power levels a home user would do. hobart makes some nice safety glass style shade 5's that seal against your face so things can't come in from the side. they are about $12 on amazon. goggles work too, if im going to be doing a ton of cutting, i just put a shade 5 lens in my old pipeliner style flip down hood.

 

[sixdogs]

Is there a name on them, that you can search for the info?

Recently watched a youtube vid of an interesting test; 2 (typical) full-face auto-dark helmets, where it was shown that even when not triggered to go dark, they still provide 100% UV block. I never thought about that before, but good to know.

Good thinking. I checked and they are UV protected. Nemesis glasses.

Jackson Nemesis Safety Spectacle - Shade 5 Lens 25671

I use these under a face shield or simple cutting and for plasma serious I use a full shield with shade five as JGriffin suggests below. That really is the best option for most of us. Plasma cutting is dangerous and I have has sparks fly everywhere they shouldn't.

 

[Will S]

Good thinking. I checked and they are UV protected. Nemesis glasses.
View attachment 538984
Jackson Nemesis Safety Spectacle - Shade 5 Lens 25671

I use these under a face shield or simple cutting and for plasma serious I use a full shield with shade five as JGriffin suggests below. That really is the best option for most of us. Plasma cutting is dangerous and I have has sparks fly everywhere they shouldn't.

Excellent! :thumbsup: