Q. Our air tests show that our powder coaters do not need air supply hoods at the area of application. We require them to wear a paper mask for protection. What is the best respiratory practice for this process?—J.C.
A. Powder is characterized as a nuisance dust and should not be inhaled. Typically, a dust mask or particle mask with a Class N95 filter approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) is acceptable when handling powder, cleaning the powder booth or spraying through a window in the booth wall. When the operator is spraying powder inside the booth, he is supposed to have a fresh air supply because the concentration of dust is much higher. He should have a NIOSH-approved hood and suit that is fed with filtered air. You can find the filtering systems at a good paint supply distribution company or online. Cartridge-style filtered respirators are designed for vapors and are not as good an option for powder coating.
Related Content
-
Coating Systems with the Best Long-Term Performance
The best protection against corrosion and UV exposure, says Axalta’s Mike Withers, is electrocoat and a super durable powder coating.
-
Low-Temperature-Cure Powder Coatings Offer Unique Opportunities
An in-depth look at the advantages of low-temperature-cure powder coatings and the considerations for incorporating them into your process.
-
Improving Transfer Efficiencies in Coating Operations
There are many methods for addressing electrostatic grounding in metal painting processes, and Tim Ulshafer from Mueller Electric says the best method for your process is a simple and worthwhile exercise.