Protecting lungs when filing/drilling



kjell159
Member
Protecting lungs when filing/drilling
Hello,
I (try to) make flutes (primarily shakuhachi) out of PVC from time to time and I now got some bamboo poles in my hands which I would like to experiment with as well.

Now recently I got concerned about the health issues coming forth from working with these kinds of materials.
I have absolutely no experience in handcrafting things, actually I'm not that handy anyway, I just like to do this kind of thing from time to time.
So I have no idea how to work safely with plastics and/or bamboo/wood?

I can see a lot of dust coming off, which is logical after all, in the end you are removing material or in other words: ending up with less from which you started. (unless you are lacquering the bore or something, then you're adding)


Should I wear a mouth mask at all times?
I'm very concerned with the health of my lungs as I consider it quite important.
If a drum sounds in a forest,
record it.
Brice
Member
Hello Kjell,

My opinion may not be the right way to do things but it reflects what I use as means of protection.

You should always use a dust mask and protective glasses :

- PVC and bamboo dust can be very thin and so, it can go very deep in your lungs and causes a Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Even if I didn't receive any dust directly in my eyes, the only time I didn't use glasses, my eyes were crying.

I would also advise you to craft your flutes in a place where you can filter the air.

Have a nice day.
kjell159
Member
Sorry for the late response.
Thank you for your opinion on the subject. Okay
If a drum sounds in a forest,
record it.
Répondre