Fall is that time of year, when many of us take up new projects and begin experimenting with new mediums. In the excitement of new media, we can forget that working in our studio can be just as dangerous as working in a chemical lab. Dealing with studio safety from the start, can save you from potential health hazards.

Here at Opus, we encourage your creativity but never at the expense of your safety. We understand that sometimes proper ventilation cannot be attained in your studio. Keeping that in mind, we carry the AO Silicone 1/2 mask S4500 air-purifying respirator, which is approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The mask is made of soft silicone rubber that is used to protect artists against particulates, gases and vapours. The respirator is hypo-allergenic and comes in small, medium, and large. It is extremely important to still be fitted with the proper size for your face. The mask's fit is necessary to provide an effective seal between the edge of the respirator and the face at all points. Without the proper fit, contaminated air could leak into the space under the respirator when it is on the face without passing through the air-purifying elements.

After you have been fitted with the right respirator, the next step is to get the proper respirator cartridge. Opus carries the following cartridges in pairs:

• R51A for organic vapours. This cartridge is for print and painting uses.
• R53A for acid vapours, chlorine, hydrogen chlorine, sulpher dioxide, chlorine dioxide, and organic vapours. This cartridge is for photography uses.
• R57B for dust, fume and mists containing oil. This cartridge is for ceramic uses.
• N9500 with the R195A filter clip for dust, fumes and mists without oil (this last filter is to be used in addition to the filters above).

Some helpful definitions:

Dust: airborne particles with weight and mass; generally bigger in size than fumes.
Fumes: created when solid material is vaporized at high temperatures and then cooled.
Mist/Fog: a mist or concentrated vapour that agitates or particulates a liquid. Examples are spray cans, atomizers or airbrushes.
Organic vapours: A substance that exists as a liquid at room temperature which evaporates and produces a vapour when exposed to air. Examples are solvents such as turpentine and lacquer thinners.

When not in use, respirators should be kept in a sealed plastic bag to preserve the absorption of filter cartridges and should be wiped clean regularly. Diligent replacement of cartridges is important, as certain chemicals will exhaust the filter faster than others. Many factors affect the lifespan of the cartridges: what you are exposed to, the amount of that substance in the air, the amount of air the artist draws through the element, the activity of the artist and the artist's environment. Cartridges should be disposed of after eight hours of cumulative use but if in doubt, use the shortest service life as a guideline.

More information can be obtained from:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's database and Information Resources