Face masks for use when vaporising OA

[E&MBees]

Can anyone recommend a suitable face mask to wear when vaporising OA please?

There seems to be a wide range available. Is a standard diy one sufficient?

Many thanks.

 

[Angry_Mob]

Full face mask that covers the eyes is necessary, see post four of this thread: https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=43510

 

[E&MBees]

Full face mask that covers the eyes is necessary, see post four of this thread: https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=43510

Thank you. I will investigate further.

 

[bingevader]

Is sublimation suitable for beginners?
Shouldn't this be in the general section?
Having read through the various threads on here, it doesn't look the safest of operations for a beginner.
You have to have the correct kit as some of it doesn't comply with British Standards.
You have to have the correct Mask.
You have to have the correct filters.
Much simpler and safer methods of handling bees have been criticised on here as not for beginners.

 

[charlievictorbravo]

Spectacles

If you need to wear spectacles when doing vaping, you might need to go for separate goggles and mouth mask. My ex-military full face mask does not seal around the arms of my specs so I have to do without the specs for vaping.

Beards can also be a problem I believe.

CVB

 

[E&MBees]

I am a beginner, which is why I was asking for advice about masks.

It was suggested to me that vapourising OA was an effective way of dealing with varroa. I have done a lot of research about vapourising, and believe that it is something that I can do in due course. I realise that I do have a lot to learn, but I have to start somewhere.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Is sublimation suitable for beginners?
Shouldn't this be in the general section?
Having read through the various threads on here, it doesn't look the safest of operations for a beginner.
You have to have the correct kit as some of it doesn't comply with British Standards.
You have to have the correct Mask.
You have to have the correct filters.
Much simpler and safer methods of handling bees have been criticised on here as not for beginners.

I used to think that but have changed my mind. It's quite safe provided they get proper instructions
I show quite a few beginners how to.

 

[madasafish]

I use one of these..https://tinyurl.com/yx2e9p3w

A MOLDEX Dust MASK FFP3 NR D Mask Air Plugs R D Mask with Air Valve

(Note the ad is for FFP2 and FFP3... you must use FFP3 for OA)

I also wear spectacles ..

I vape with a heated tray affair.. Provided you are sensible and watch the wind direction - vaping into an entrance with the wind blowing towards you is VERY risky and I do not do it.

The above masks fit very comfortably, work well and most importantly - when wearing glasses - don't mist them up..

If I was using a gas vaping device pumping gases into the hive I would wear a full mask.. But with gases driven by heat and wind currents only a simple mask is sufficient.

So far in 4 years of use, and vaping c 30 hives a year (I vape our Association Apiary and others I assist) I have yet to have a safety issue. But I do check wind direction before I start... and ensure onlookers are upwind of me...

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

If you need to wear spectacles when doing vaping, you might need to go for separate goggles and mouth mask. My ex-military full face mask does not seal around the arms of my specs so I have to do without the specs for vaping.

Beards can also be a problem I believe.

CVB

Big difference between using a varrrox and a sublimox - you may need a full face mask with a decent seal for the clouds of vapours pumped out by a sublimox - but a varox?! well, maybe if the user is in short supply of common sense.
As for beards - more of an issue with positive pressure CABA than anything else, but even then, I never had an issue

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I used to think that but have changed my mind. It's quite safe provided they get proper instructions
I show quite a few beginners how to.

 

[bingevader]

It's quite safe provided they get proper instructions.
I show quite a few beginners how to.

It doesn't sound like the OP has had instruction, hence my concern.
I don't think I am being overly cautious.
I wouldn't suggest undertaking any hazardous pastime without first seeking proper instruction.

 

[Poly Hive]

You are not being overly cautious.

I am COSHH trained and wrote the assessments for an entire drilling operation offshore.

It's not something I will do or recommend to do.

PH

 

[Millet]

Big difference between using a varrrox and a sublimox - you may need a full face mask with a decent seal for the clouds of vapours pumped out by a sublimox - but a varox?! well, maybe if the user is in short supply of common sense.
As for beards - more of an issue with positive pressure CABA than anything else, but even then, I never had an issue

Spot on Jenky..

 

[Millet]

You are not being overly cautious.

I am COSHH trained and wrote the assessments for an entire drilling operation offshore.

It's not something I will do or recommend to do.

PH

Why..? me and thousands of other folk have been doing it for years all around the world..with the correct PPE you are fine..you have more chance of being hit by a Boeing 747 that being harmed from doing vapourizing correctly..

 

[E&MBees]

OA face masks

Thank you for all the advice. I would welcome some instruction. If I go ahead, I will purchase a varrox, (probably Thornes) passive type, rather than the active version.

 

[Poly Hive]

Millet? I have said why and that is my final answer.

I find trickling works perfectly well for me and I cannot find mites in the drone brood so that says it all as far as I am concerned.

I am risk averse.

PH

 

[For want of a better word]

Why..? me and thousands of other folk have been doing it for years all around the world..with the correct PPE you are fine..you have more chance of being hit by a Boeing 747 that being harmed from doing vapourizing correctly..

In 20 years of flying, managed to miss all of them.

Is said that a monkey could fly a 747, although I for one would not advise training monkeys to fly.

 

[Repwoc]

In 20 years of flying, managed to miss all of them.

Is said that a monkey could fly a 747, although I for one would not advise training monkeys to fly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVKPS5aPvOc

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Is said that a monkey could fly a 747

Is that the reason the RAF have relaxed the rules on facial hair?

 

[SWEET]

Is sublimation suitable for beginners?

V's holding a box of fire while encased in a suit that could easily catch fire around all the risks of tripping/angry bees and panic, I'd say it's well down the list.

ref mask; Moldex 898225 8000 Series ABEK1 and P3 RD, also used when cutting YEW (nasty stuff).