I really need your advice

[SexualHarassmentPanda]

To keep it simple I will describe the main problem, (there are a lot of other problems)

I am working in a shop that has poor ventilation. I mean really bad, you walk in and you can just smell borosilicate and gases ( i have worked in similar situation along time ago) Anyways I get stomach aches and headaches like right away when i get there. Obviously the best idea would be to get out of the shop or to address the issue with my boss. Unfortunately my boss is incredible brilliant... or at least he views himself to be. Telling him he has poor ventilation would go poorly. My last idea is to get a respirator rated for vapors. I am trying to find somewhere else to work but I really need the cash in the mean time. Would a respirator rated for vapors help or is that hopeless. if you are wondering how i will blow... I will use a blow hose. This is a temporary situation until I can find a better place to work...

ANY THOUGHTS?

Thank you...

like this one... http://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-6200-6006-7-Piece-Suit-Respirator-Multi-Gas-Vapor-Face-Mask-Gas-Mask-PEH013-/170735442188#vi-desc

[gambitglass]

If you do go that route I would recommend getting it fit tested professionally. A lot of folks assume they're protecting themselves using respirators but if you don't get a perfectly tight seal you are still putting yourself at risk.

good luck...Relocation would be the most ideal situation, but you already know that. Is there no way to improve upon the ventilation in the current workspace?

[Role]

You might also consider a fresh air supplied system.

There is a guy on eBay that sells them for $300-$400.

Your health is not something you can easily fix.

[dustyg]

Get out fast, I think.

For now, you could try an Israeli gas mask and use the drinking-straw hole for your blow hose.

41628

[menty666]

I know the employment market sucks, but you might want to get out of there, or send an anonymous note to OSHA.

If that guy's cutting corners there, who knows what else is lurking in the corners.

[Cow'N]

fuck'em tell his ass! he thinks he knows it all and clearly he doesnt or he would not put his employees at danger. Bring some type of evidence, pictures and a solution plan to him to show him what is wrong and what is right, as well as a way to fix it. This isnt only effecting you but other people who work there. I think it would be appropriate to at least try and let him know the deal!!! if he says your crazy well... at least you tired. and yea get the fuck outta there!!

[dustyg]

Also, the gas mask would invite a conversation about safety practices, I think.

"What is that, and why are you wearing it?"

That's where you tell him what it is, then tell him what you told us about getting sick when you walk in, and pull out the documentation. I don't think I've ever read a flameworking book that didn't stress the importance of ventilation, and I think all of the forums have a safety category.

[hedcraft]

If cutting costs is more important to him than your safety and health, he's a terrible boss and you need to leave.
I'd rather be broke at 30 than dead at 50.

[khan]

If you let him know its a dangerous situation and he does nothing to correct he is leaving himself wide open for a massive law suit. An employer has a responsibility to provide a safe work environment and if he doesnt he wont be in business long. You wont need to find another job cause you will be living off of the settlement with his insurance company for his negligence.

Khan

[TlkQ]

I've been in that situation. I left. Only thing you really can do. Good luck man. Fumey pains suck balls.

[SexualHarassmentPanda]

yea I am basically out.... And don't get it twisted ... I will tell him why i'm leaving and that he needs a blower that is 8-10x stronger than what hes got .... It sucks, but I can't deal..... I find another set up , I am just broke.

Thanks for your input....

[misticglass]

is this mike B that used to work in narragansett RI? used to post as sexual harrasment panda years ago? if so whats up??

[SexualHarassmentPanda]

thats me..... morgan?

[Sparkey]

If you get one of those automatic bubble blowing guns from the toy store that will go a long way to show just how well/poorly the ventilation is.

[AndyH]

You could light off an ass load of smoke bombs when he's at the torch. Should make the point sufficiently.