Thread: Restore Shop Tip

So I have waited almost a year to post this as I wanted to make sure it worked out

I have certain rules for my shop,

1. Safety glasses are next to the front door they go on when I walk in
2. Respirator is next to the front door, it goes on if I plan on using any machine that day
3. Old Ballcaps are hanging next to the front door, good one comes off old one goes on before I start


It was number three that caused me some trouble last summer, and I ended up seeing a Dermatologist for it
What I was doing was trying to keep the sanding dust from multiple materials out of my hair and scalp which was in essence correct

BUT

I was using the same two Ballcaps over and over, it took a bit of consultation but the Dr. figured it out, he of course got me some kind of topical cream to stop the itching and rash on my forehead and scalp that part was easy
After we talked a bit he explained that what I was doing was basically grinding the dust into my skin because the Ballcaps can't be washed easily, he recommended Surgical Caps or a Skull Cap

I use some like this that have a built in sweatband now,

http://www.sparklingearth.com/produc...ategory=100013


Sparkling Earth - SKULL CAPS (headwraps) w/ sweatbands (Made In The USA)

Even a simple Bandana tied in this fashion works better then a Ballcap, for the simple reason that like the clothes you wear into the shop and into the dust it can be tossed in the washer when you come out..

After almost a year now I found that the Dr. was right and the "itchies" haven't come back, I figured I would share going into the hot season as a sweaty brow makes it much worse...

His other recommendations were pretty logical,

Always wear long sleeves
Always wear long pants

And the biggest one,

Never sit around in these clothes after you leave the shop.. Toss them in the wash

BTW nearly every material we sand for use when making scales it an irritant in dust form