mountainmanent
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2017
Posts: 71 
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Post by mountainmanent on Sept 9, 2017 7:05:38 GMT -5
Is there any health hazards that newbies should know about when cutting/tumbling/cabbing stones? My biggest fear is my lungs. I use a wet saw and I know the water keeps dust down but what about also using a respirator? I'm sure the dust from cutting has to be bad for you
(especially certain rocks). I am no idiot and use eye protecting but what is everyone else's precautions when working with stones in all phases of Lapidary? I watch ALOT of youtube videos to help learn certain methods for certain things and almost all of them no one is using any kind of safety equipment. I don't live in a bubble but I want my 10yr old son to participate more in cutting and shaping and this made me think a lot more about any possibility of anything harming him.
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Post by manofglass on Sept 9, 2017 10:13:07 GMT -5
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on Sept 9, 2017 10:25:17 GMT -5
Kudos for your safety concerns. Eye protection is a must, IMHO for all cutting, grinding, and polishing operations. A respirator is a good idea when "misting" occurs, ie.: freehand cutting and grinding. An apron is good protection for clothing. Finger cots or adhesive tape will save your fingers when grinding and sanding cabochons. I also use Nitrile gloves when working w/ oil, it just makes for easier cleanup. If moving heavy rocks or containers of rocks, steel-toed shoes couldn't hurt. Ear plugs are a good idea when using certain grinders and saws.
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Post by vegasjames on Sept 9, 2017 16:59:07 GMT -5
There can be toxic things in dust such a asbestos, arsenic, beryllium, etc. All depends on what you are cutting, amount and time of exposure. If you do a lot of cutting then even the silica may be of a concern.
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Post by paulshiroma on Sept 11, 2017 23:01:32 GMT -5
x2 on the ear plugs. I also fabricated full covers for my saws to trap as much mist as possible (fabricate = to repurposes Sterlite and Rubbermaid containers into rock saw covers).
Paul
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Sept 26, 2017 3:02:23 GMT -5
No need to wear an actual respirator when cutting most materials. A good disposable dust mask will filter out the dust particle containing mist. I like and use the 3M brand 8210Plus style. Home Depot sells them in boxes of twenty. www.homedepot.com/p/3M-N95-Particulate-Respirator-Dust-Mask-20-Pack-8210PPB1-A-NA/100583556?keyword=3M+8210+plus+dust+maskAlso it's a good idea to clean up lapidary equipment and the work area each time after cabbing or faceting. Not only does this help preserve the condition of the equipment but it also helps prevent the rock dust from the mist that has settled, and dust particles from the rock sludge in the splash pans/trays, from later becoming airborne once the water evaporates. I keep a fist sized natural sponge in my shop for this purpose. Only takes a few minutes to wipe everything down with a natural sponge and a small pail of clean water to periodically clean the sponge in. Other than the risk involved from the inhaling of rock dust, most traditional cabbing and faceting materials do not pose a serious health risk. But it is always a good idea to first learn what minerals and elements a material contains before you cut it. The gemology-online site has a a good post entitled "An Overview of Minerals Toxicity" that has some basic information. www.gemologyonline.com/Forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=19492Larry C. |
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Post by youp50 on Sept 27, 2017 5:00:29 GMT -5
Common dust masked little to prevent silica and asbestos from entering lungs. Silicosis and asbestosis are real dangers. A respirator with a P99 cartridge is what you need.
I am trying to figure out what to do about the dust after its raised and settles. Wearing a respirator is good, what about when you are done? That dust is there waiting to be kicked up..
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Sept 29, 2017 21:10:58 GMT -5
Common dust masked little to prevent silica and asbestos from entering lungs. Silicosis and asbestosis are real dangers. A respirator with a P99 cartridge is what you need. I am trying to figure out what to do about the dust after its raised and settles. Wearing a respirator is good, what about when you are done? That dust is there waiting to be kicked up.. The 3m 8210 Plus disposable dust masks are rated N95 by NIOSH which is the equivalent rating for the non-disposable canister type respirators sold by auto parts stores for use while changing out asbestos brake shoes on automobiles. So unless you're dry grinding chunks of asbestos the 8210 Plus disposable masks are plenty adequate protection. Larry C. |
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Post by youp50 on Sept 29, 2017 22:29:30 GMT -5
Not exactly a common dust mask.
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