Gas Masks?

[Camera Monkey]

I recently covered a dock fire where I ended up inhaling some nasty black smoke. My lungs were "itchy" for a day or so afterwards. Not fun.

Does anyone have a gas/particle/smoke mask in their gear? I have some of those dust masks, but i'm wondering about getting something with a little more oomph.

Thanks all..

[Cambot Mk. II]

From what I've read, you do not want to use gas masks at a fire.
The filters tend to clog quickly and you end up suffocating.

That's just what I've read. Anyone have any info to back this up?

-Dave G.

[svp]

From what I've read, you do not want to use gas masks at a fire.
The filters tend to clog quickly and you end up suffocating.

That's just what I've read. Anyone have any info to back this up?

-Dave G.


That only happens with the cheap masks. Its actually not a bad idea to carry a gas mask just make sure you get a good one. Check out this site www.uscav.com for great masks. Keep in mind that a new filter should be used for each fire. This can get expensive if you use it all the time. Filters run about $20 a piece.

UPDATE: I was wrong, filters run about $40 a piece. Here is the direct link to the page that lists the gas masks.

http://www.uscav.com/category.aspx?catid=264&TabID=1

[shootercub]

If you have a good, pack-a-day habit, this problem can easily be only a minor nuisance!!

That's how it was before I quit, that is.

[krazycamera]

Are the lambs still crying Clarise?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/djntali/mask.jpg

[Duffy]

We went down to the local Army surplus store. They had surplus Israeli Army gas mask for $29.99. We bought 10 or so, and pass them out for tear gas deployment at riots and demonstrations.

[pre-set]

The Israeli masks are just plain JUNK. That's why they're surplus. They MIGHT filter out CS and pepper spray at demonstrations, but will do NOTHING for you in the way of protecting you against toxic exposure.

Check out some "survivalist" sites, and well as ANSI and see what they say.

[tvguide]

Better you than me. If I ever thought I needed to put on a gas mask to shoot a fire. I'd back up.

[Canonman]

I recently covered a dock fire where I ended up inhaling some nasty black smoke. My lungs were "itchy" for a day or so afterwards. Not fun.

Does anyone have a gas/particle/smoke mask in their gear? I have some of those dust masks, but i'm wondering about getting something with a little more oomph.

Thanks all..

First of all, NEVER get the idea that a dusk mask will help you around toxic fumes. Secondly, if you do get a canister style gas mask, make sure you get the combination cartridges that protect you from multiple types of fumes. You need to have it properly fitted also or it's useless for your safety. Guess what? Air takes the path of least resistance and a side leak in your mask is much easier for air than going through the cartridges.

If you're using these on the job, you need to be OSHA certified to wear and use protective gear like this. I know this personally from having filled out the f'in paperwork once a year and having to do a pulmonary function test. This is from when I worked in the semiconductor industry and belonged to the in house emergency response team. These masks are classified as Air Purifying Respirators whereas a Scott Air Pack is classified as an Air Supplying Respirator.

This may sound like overkill on the regs for just being a bystander at a fire or chemical leak. But you need to know that there are rules and regs in place. As much as ENG safety gets discussed WRT live truck operation, I felt obligated to point out some things so you don't get a false sense of security.

Be safe,

cm

[wqert89]

My lungs were "itchy" for a day or so afterwards. Not fun.

Does anyone have a gas/particle/smoke mask in their gear? I have some of those dust masks, but i'm wondering about getting something with a little more oomph.




Do not use a Gas Mask at a fire!
It would be hazardous to your well-being.

A gas mask even professional one’s like the NBC (Nuclear Biological and Chemical) one I have used in War zones will not help at a fire. These types of masks rely on large amount of O2 to be present. Your best bet is to stay out of the smoke. If this is not possible then I suggest taking steam bath to clear your chest, as I am sure you need it after the fire anyway.

Using a Gas mask at a fire can also could draw you some unwanted and unneeded attention.

So you should ask your GM or Chief Engineer to purchase a small oxygen tank for you to breath after each fire. Or see the medic on scene and give the station the bill for forcing you to become a smoke eater.

If your Chief Engineer will purchase you an Air Pack I prefer Survive Air to Scott as it has a double seal and is designed for less stress on the shoulders and back.

[Camera Monkey]

Thanks for all the info guys, thankfully I don't go to enough fires to justify carrying air with me on every vosot. Good info all around.

thanks again!

[Buck Satan]

Two other suggestions:
1: They had some emergency fire escape kits a while back with a filter unit you put in your mouth and a bag you closed over your head. Made for smoke obviously.
2: SCUBA emergency air suply. Very small tank good for 5 to 10 min depending on your condition/ exertion...

[HamCam]

Just tell the desk that it was a "pot on stove" and go get a coffee...!!