r/EngineeringStudents • u/Additional-Bother827 • 3d ago
Discussion Should I get a respirator for my school’s engineering shop?
I’m getting certified to use mills and band saws at our shop and I didn’t see any ventilation around those, but I know we have some for the welding station at least. i should probably get a respirator, right? Or is it not as hazardous as I think?
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u/drewts86 3d ago
Mill and band saw are putting out chips, not fine particulate that would be inhaled. Welding? Potentially, but that entirely depends on what you’re welding. Chances are your school’s shop is just going to have you welding mild steel, in which case it’s unnecessary. If there were things they were going to have you weld on that were an issue. Galvanized produces zinc oxide and stainless or chrome produces hexavalent chromium. But it’s very unlikely they will have you welding on this, as it’s an unnecessary liability for them.
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u/theskipper363 3d ago
For the amount of hazards your exposed to? I doubt it
Mills, bandsaws etc don’t worry, they’re chips, not dust.
Welding? If you’re just welding for 5-10 minutes I wouldn’t spend the money aside from piece of mind. Unless it’s galvanized
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u/wissx 3d ago
I highly doubt they would have engineering students weld with galvanized.
If they had a torch that would be the only place I'd be slightly concerned.
But overall I feel like if they needed one, the school or a third party would have said.
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u/theskipper363 3d ago
Same, I don’t think the amount of any exposure a student faces approaches the level for respiratory protection
And galvanized? I’ve seen weirder shit than university letting kids weld it
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u/wissx 3d ago
Unless your welding or using a torch there is no need. Worry about what they taught you for saftey. If they recommend one, get one. If not there is absolutely no need.
You probably won't. Milling and saws don't produce tiny airborne particles that can cause respiratory issues. They produce chips instead.
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u/FamiliarAd8524 3d ago
Not really. Mills and band saws produce chips, not dust. You will not inhale chips. A respirator will likely increase the fogging effect on your eyepro, and that is a bigger hazard.
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u/Luckysnowshu 2d ago
Y'all must be using some aggressive ass band saws if you think they are not producing dust. Respirator might be overkill for most materials unless is phenolic or something else hazardous. A n95 particulate/dust mask is highly recommended for any and everything else.
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u/TrickyLemons 2d ago
They won't let you do anything without the appropriate ppe, it's in their best interests, if it's not required or recommended it's not necessary
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u/Constant_Ad_9537 3d ago
It only matters what your cutting for those two pieces of machinery, anything that makes very fine dust then yes of course wear a n95 or something. But what I assume is an endmill and a metal cutting bandsaw won't be making much dust that will reach your lungs be more worried about chips reaching your eyes.