Safety: Rock Polishing grit and dust in the air

[NevadaBill]

So, today I am dealing with an eye irritation in both eyes, but pronounced in my right eye.  This almost never happens.  I don't have allergies, and can't attribute it to anything flying in.  Just seems dry.

Just yesterday, I just purchased new containers to hold my various grits and polishes, so I could more easily access them, rather than having to always be opening large bags.  In the afternoon.  And I specifically remember a lot of powder being thrown up in to the air, as I poured each one in to their respective container.

Well, I don't exactly remember feeling like I got any in my eye, at the time.  But I don't know.  Maybe I could be grinding down my eye!

What do you think should be best practice for eye protection, or mouth protection when working with these dusts?

I read about wearing a mask when adding new powders and grits to the tumblers, but so far I haven't done that.

I suppose that maybe I should be doing both?

Anyone that wants to chime in, that would be great.  Thanks.

[hummingbirdstones]

If you haven't done it already, rinse your eyes with clean, warm water for a few minutes to get any dust particles that may be sticking to the inside of your eyelids or on your eyes out.  After you do that, if you have some Visine or similar, put a drop in each eye to help with the irritation.  If it is still bothering you tomorrow, I'd go see an eye doctor just to be on the safe side.

I always use some type of scoop to transfer powdery stuff to other containers to keep down the dust flying around.  If it's a lot of stuff, I'll take it outside and do it.

In the future, I'd probably where safety goggles and at least a dust mask if I were you.

[NevadaBill]

Thanks Robin. I've done both as precautionary. Don't think it is conjunctivitis, but I'm not a doctor either.

Just wonder if anyone takes precautions around the fine grinding dusts or not, really.

[Jugglerguy]

I use a respirator when grinding or cutting rocks because of the rock dust in the air. Especially when using my saw I notice that the mist leaves a residue on my skin and in my hair.

I’ve never used any protection when working with my tumblers though. I have never experienced anythIng like you described. I also move my grits into other containers. I am careful when adding grit to my Lot-O because there are fans right behind the opening in the barrel. I shield the grit with my hand so it doesn’t get blown into my face.

[NevadaBill]

Good advice Rob,

I have read one place that a dusk mask might be helpful when loading grit. I have one, and will also consider using it when sawing rock as well.

[fernwood]

I wear nitril gloves, safety goggles and a mask when handling new grits, polishes and Borax. Might be overkill, but cannot risk damage to lungs and eyes. I also wash my face/hands, comb my hair and change my clothes.
When pouring grit/polish into new containers, I am very careful to go slowly to minimize dust.