I've recently started using fiberglass on my Pepakura projects, and I need to find out how to clean them up, and more importantly, in a safe manner. My grandfather, whom I work with my projects on, is extremely safety-consious and doesn't want to clean up my peps with his dremel, and other power tools, until he can verify that it will be safe. He is concerned about the tiny fibers being drilled off would damage his lungs, and that wearing a dust mask and goggles isn't enough protection. Any tips? Also, do you need a respirator when applying Bondo?
Can someone explain how to clean up fiberglass safely?
- Thread starter ryo786
- Start date
Your grandfathers right. You need to do a lot more research on this; safety is not something to skip out on.
The folks over at the 405th have more info specifically on working through the Pepakura method. Go sign up there and read through the stickies in the n00b forum, covering how to do these things and the proper safety precautions needed.
For example here's an important one that was stickied over on the 405th:
The Complete Respirator And Safety Guide
Read ALL of that and the other stickies. Fiberglass and Bondo are dangerous and/or toxic without the right safety procedures and equipment. You don't want to die early simply because you skipped over these precautions. Don't shortcut.
All the answers are there.
The folks over at the 405th have more info specifically on working through the Pepakura method. Go sign up there and read through the stickies in the n00b forum, covering how to do these things and the proper safety precautions needed.
For example here's an important one that was stickied over on the 405th:
The Complete Respirator And Safety Guide
Read ALL of that and the other stickies. Fiberglass and Bondo are dangerous and/or toxic without the right safety procedures and equipment. You don't want to die early simply because you skipped over these precautions. Don't shortcut.
All the answers are there.
GhostMinion
Sr Member
Safely sanding and grinding both fiberglass and bondo is NOT that complicated. You do need to take the time to prepare and have the proper safety gear. For sanding or grinding you want to wear a respirator made for fine dust, and for applying fiberglass and bondo in the first place you want a respirator made for organic vapor. Go to your local hardware store and see what they got, it will say on the package what it is rated for.
Also, if possible, it is best to do these things outside, maybe in a shed if you have one. You need plenty of fresh air blowing in to help disperse the fumes, if doing it indoors, which I wouldn't recommend.
And ALWAYS wear safety glasses.
Hope this helps.
Also, if possible, it is best to do these things outside, maybe in a shed if you have one. You need plenty of fresh air blowing in to help disperse the fumes, if doing it indoors, which I wouldn't recommend.
And ALWAYS wear safety glasses.
Hope this helps.
boochieboy
Member
Safety glasses are fine for eyes and if needed gloves can be worn too.
For Bondo or fiberglass resin fumes you need a respirator with organic vapor filters on it.
For sanding Bondo or fiberglass the regular P95 dust masks with elastic strings are fine, but the best would be to use your respirator and P100 filters on it.
Fiberglass CAN harm your lungs if you breathe enough of it but it's not toxic waste...you don't need a biohazard suit to work with the stuff.
For Bondo or fiberglass resin fumes you need a respirator with organic vapor filters on it.
For sanding Bondo or fiberglass the regular P95 dust masks with elastic strings are fine, but the best would be to use your respirator and P100 filters on it.
Fiberglass CAN harm your lungs if you breathe enough of it but it's not toxic waste...you don't need a biohazard suit to work with the stuff.
GhostMinion
Sr Member
Yes....P100 filters are a MUST in my opinion. Best filter you can get, if I'm not mistaken. Good insight, brother!
GhostMinion
Sr Member
You wanna look something like this:
Casey2124
Active Member
I would recommend a respirator I seriously just got done using it but with a dust mask!!! I did it to one of my gloves and I wish I saw this post before I did it, but it was my first time and I highly doubt I am going to die because I was outside, but it did get to me! I am going to get a respirator tomorrow!
Koda Vonnor
Well-Known Member
If the polyester resin or the Bondo isn't cured (dried) yet, you need a respirator mask with organic vapor filters. If you are sanding or cutting cured material, a simple painter's dust mask is sufficient.
brandomack
Sr Member
GhostMinion
Sr Member
I respectfully disagree. A simple painter's dust mask is NOT sufficient.
And personally, if it's cured or not, I don't want ANY of that crap in my lungs.
Koda Vonnor
Well-Known Member
After further thought, I tend to agree with the GM.
These are what I use. An AOSafety full-seal rubber ventilation mask with AOS 8053-P100 organic vapor filters, and a 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8210, N95 painter's mask.
The 8210 technical info claims 95% effectiveness against non-oily particles. Bondo sanding generates carcinogenic particulates, but they do not contain oil. It does state that it is not suitable for asbestos protection, which is a similarly hazardous substance, so Ghost's advice is probably best. It is at worst erring on the side of caution.
Another factor to consider may be a proper seal against the skin. The soft rubber face seal on the AOS unit is greatly superior to that of the paper mask. Although its forte is in filtering out vapors, and I can attest to its effectiveness in that arena (no smell = no vapors) it also does a superior job against ANY particles.
Thanks for the focus, Ghost.
Note: ANY organic vapor filter respirator mask with a rubber face seal will do what the one pictured above does. They are readily available at any home hardware or big-box store (Lowes, Home Depot, ACE, etc in the USA).
~ Bill Costigan
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