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Mar 4, 2009

Respirators? Please take the poll too?

Mike's Power Washing · Guest

I wear a respirator sometimes. I am one who has experienced the release of chlorine gas in an enclosed environment. I lost two weeks of work, and two visits to the emergency rrom and lots of steroids to clear the fluid from my lungs. Not good. The chlorine gas was not related to roof cleaning but if i feel the fumes are getting to me or if we clean multiple roofs in a day i wear one. I think its good policy despite the extra time and effort to put it on. I also have never observed the competition wearing any respirators either.

-- Edited by Mike's Power Washing at 20:03, 2009-03-04

Jeff · Guest

I don't have one yet, but will have�one before I start.� I don't want to take any chances!

Mar 4, 2009

I use 3M masks with 6009 filters (Mercury Vapor/Chlorine Gas)
every time I clean a roof.

For me, the fumes are brutal and I get bad headaches and feel like crap the next day if I don't wear them or if I'm wearing an old used up filter.

Make sure you change them after every 10-20 roofs.

-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Pro Greensboro NC (336)362 7659 at 22:11, 2009-03-04

RCIA Founder

Not going to Lie to anybody, I use them ONLY on tile roofs, when the chemical is strong.
Guess I am "immune" to the roof cleaning chemical, LOL
Actually, a pool cage I was FORCED to clean with tile roof chemical when it was raining hurt my Lungs.

I SUGGEST people wear them, but I don't.
Too Late for me cry

Mar 4, 2009

I have a resporator but only seem to wear it half of the time. Like Chris said, on Tile Roofs where we need real strong love. I do feel better when I wear it though. Not so much coughing and weezing. I think I'm gonna start wearing it alot more this year when Roof Cleaning.

Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 · guest

WEAR A RESPIRATOR seriusly I was a member of the asbestos workers union and have a friend who works in a bleach factory
WEAR A RESPIRATOR

I have a friend who powerwashes new brick structures in DC he has a hole in his lung from the acid

ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH THE FULL STRENGTH IN THE MIXING PROCESS

My Grandfather lost a lung to asbestos

This is no JOKE

My grandmother died from lung cancer

need more examples?? Google it!!!

YOU NEED YOUR LUNGS TO LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!

My aunt works in a hospital and told me the worst way to die is suffocation. If you don't wear a mask and want to know how you will die try breathing under water. Thats what it will be like.

I feel really bad for what happened to Chris, and hope your old boss suffered some kind of concequences. I would sue him and that company for all they are worth if they are still around and you can prove you were on that job. I know a guy who helps the aspestos workers in lawsuits handled by Peter Angelos so let me know if you want someone who handles inhalation contractor cases. He used to work for the asbestos workers union.

Oh and if you have employess MAKE THEM WEAR THE RESPIRATOR or they may sue you one day as well.

And think about it,�we all want to be the greatest companies we can right ???
Well then we have to have standards, especially saftey standards!!!
Remember chemistry class we learned this in like 9th grade, not to breath the chems.

Thank you for the advice Chris and Dave I will be wearing the 3M 6009

-- Edited by Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 at 00:13, 2009-03-05

Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 · guest

PS I guess I'm a little hypocritical as I am a smoker LOL. Darn things are like crack Trying to quit bleh
But please take care of yourselves and your employees

�

-- Edited by Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 at 00:19, 2009-03-05

Guest

I've considered it, but I will be honest. It doesn't seem to bother me that bad,..at least noticeably. I have had times on a hot day when the vapor was a little intense. I've learned how to hold my breath for extended periods of time. I'd be a good sponge diver.

Jeff

Mar 5, 2009

Hold your breath! Jeez, Jeff you're hard core!

Guest

Anyone who's not using a respirator is probably also holding their breath,...they just don't realize it. Probably why I'm always tired when I'm done. It's done instinctively anytime the the human body faces "toxic air"

Kinda' like shivering,...it's your body trying to take care of you.

Jeff

Mar 5, 2009

I believe you are right. I hold my breath and sometimes step away or face a certain way, before I breath in again.
I did a tile roof yesterday and today and the worst thing I got, was accidental chlorine sprayed on by my son!

Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 wrote:

Anyone who's not using a respirator is probably also holding their breath,...they just don't realize it. Probably why I'm always tired when I'm done. It's done instinctively anytime the the human body faces "toxic air"

Kinda' like shivering,...it's your body trying to take care of you.

Jeff

�

Roof Cleaning Manchester CT 860-970-1919 · Guest

I always wear one. My daughter bought me a nice one for Christmas and gave me heck when she caught me mixing a tank without it on. Gotta keep the kids and wife happy.

-- Edited by creativeimages at 10:29, 2009-03-06

Mar 6, 2009

Look on the label to see if your filters are rated for Chlorine.

If not, get the 3M 6009 filters (Mercury Vapor, Chlorine Gas)

They make a HUGE difference.

Guest

You guys are starting to scare me,....maybe that's a good thing!!

Jeff

Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 · guest

Here is what osha told me today, based on the MSDS for sh
1-An approved Respirator for each employee
2-Fit testing for all employess
3-A medical evaluation stating that the employee is "fit" enough to wear a respirator
4-Proper saftey training
5- Full wrap approved goggles or face protection
6-PPE training for each employee
7-MSDS sheets available at all times on and off the job for all employees

(this one is Maryland Specific) a full chemical list of all chemicals used buy your company with the proper chemical names and analysis sheets available at all times on all jobs

-- Edited by Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 at 14:30, 2009-03-06

Mar 6, 2009

Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 wrote:
You guys are starting to scare me,....maybe that's a good thing!!

Jeff

I don't see how you guys can breathe roof mix all day long.�

I can handle a 1% mixture when washing houses, it doesn't bother me, no mask needed for washing houses.

But 4% sodium hypochlorite is much, much stronger.

�

-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Pro Greensboro NC (336)362 7659 at 16:25, 2009-03-06

Roof Cleaning Bradenton FL 941-822-2454 · Guest

Just wondering if your customers get concerned when they see you suit up / or put a respirator on?

Have you ever dealt with a situation and how did you handle it?

One more ? do your customers or neighbors get concerned about overspray from wind?

Have you ever had a neighbor complain that your chems damaged something on their property?

Ok that was 2 ?'s sorry just playing out scenarios. Thinking ahead :)

Roof Cleaning Bradenton FL 941-822-2454 · Guest

One more quick note, respirators will be mandated for us, especially with Randy having asthma attacks from lot's of dust.
Kim

Mar 8, 2009

The fumes are not that bad from the ground. If you are on the roof or near the roof line, masks should be worn. Overspray is not a problem. The ground man takes care of that by rinsing with water before and after applying chemical.

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"