Respirator

A good respirator with filters specifically for Organic Vapours will make working with these chemicals easier.

Respirator

A recommended Respirator would be the Moldex 7000 Series Reusable Half Mask Respirator link: https://www.moldex.com/product/7000-series-half-mask-respirator/ Note that we sell smaller disposable dust masks, not these.

You should purchase a filter for organic vapors such as the Moldex #7300 Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridges For 7000/7800/9000 Series Respirators link: https://www.moldex.com/product/7000-7800-9000-series-respirator-organic-vapor-acid-gas-cartridge/

You don't have to go with Moldex. There are similar products from 3M. Likely any well known name brand will offer adequate protection. I would recommend buying from official distributors for a product like this. It is not worth cutting corners for a proper respirator.

Tips/Techniques

Safety Goggles Fit Better Over A Respirator Than Glasses

These respirators, while very good, are not designed for use with traditional safety glasses you might find at the big box hardware stores. The seal around the cheeks and nose may cause a slightly off fit (depending on the glasses of course). This means that there is more of an opening for debris to get into your eyes. Usually the glasses are offset slightly high, causing the bottom opening to be unacceptably large.

See the page on Safety Goggles for more details on the proper Goggles to purchase.

Goggles are Often Necessary as Well

A proper gas mask will protect you from breathing vapours, but you have to consider that your eyes are also vulnerable to noxious gases, or especially splashing (from chemicals such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide). You can either purchase a gas mask + goggle combination where they are all one piece or you can separate them out in a modular fashion (which I prefer) so the goggles can be replaced if they get scratched. The benefit of using goggles is that they don't generally need any ventilation, so they can have a rubber seal.

Get the Right Filters for your Application

Gas masks, are a must get for working with chemicals. You don't have to go with Moldex, there are also other well known brand names such as 3M that offer similar (and likely equivalent) products. There are a few different filters that cover 'organic vapours'. This particular one (#7300) also covers acid gas, so it will help block some noxious acid gases (such as MEKP). For more information about different filters to purchase, see something like the Chemical Compatibility Chart which details what filters are applicable for what chemicals.