HI again,
Please do not let the obvious heavy powder fool you -
even with hand tools (I only used hand tools when i
started) and with wearing a respirator, I learned the
lesson the hard way in working in a space without proper
ventilation.
It took over five years to clear my lungs of silacosis
and that was only possible because i was very young
(still in my early teens) in an older person it would
take even longer or not be possible. Ample protection
does not have to be a clumsey or complicated thing - a
mask with a good seal - a damp bandana will accomplish
this, as well as varying types of surgical masks - the
important thing is the seal - even the fanciest double
barrelled carborator type respirator will do you no good
if it doesn't fit properly - as for eye protection -
unless you are really whacking away and have your face
right down into your work or you are using some heavy
duty power tools improperly, generally a pair of eye
glasses is sufficient to keep the chips from your eyes.
In over 40 years of carving I have never had to resort
to anything more and also have never had a problem with
dust or chips in my eyes. There are goggles which have
vents to help keep things from fogging up if closed
goggles are desired. These things can be found cheaply
in any decent hardware store.
Exposure to the hazards of carving is a cumulative
thing. I can not stress strongly enough the need for
proper precautions and good fitting equipment.
Thanks for letting me add my two cents!
Susan
...........................................
FAQ info and help on using this list is on
http://www.learningstone.net/lslstfaq.html
