MSA DustFoe Respirator

Name/Title

MSA DustFoe Respirator

Entry/Object ID

MW.0200

Description

MSA DustFoe half facepiece respirator mask, for working in high-dust/particulate environments. Multiple-material construction, original filter still installed.

Use

Underground coal mining

Collection

Coal Mining Tools, Fred Barkey Collection

Made/Created

Manufacturer

MSA

Date made

1950 - 1970

Material

Metal, Plastic, Leather

Research Notes

Research Type

Internet

Person

Shaun Slifer

Date

Apr 5, 2024

Notes

(from Gas Mask & Respirator Wiki) The DustFoe was a half-face industrial mask produced by MSA from sometime in the 1950’s to 1960’s. It was intended to be used by coal miners and other industrial related jobs that required protection against heavy concentrations of dusts and chemical mists. This mask was also produced in several slightly models that were used for different types of particulates. The construction of the mask is very innovative for the time incorporating a plastic assembly mounted on the front that holds a triangular plastic wedge. This wedge is used to hold the particulate pads in place. The wedge is held in place by a metal clip that clips in place below the wedge on a plastic hinge. Another interesting design is the adjustable singular elasticated head strap that snaps in place on both sides of the mask via metal snaps. (color varies on model) One of the last notable main features of the mask is the dual exhalation valves located at the bottom of the mask. These vary in size and color depending on the model. This is the same with the last notable feature of the mask. This feature is the face cushion, this cushion is made of a rubbery foam material. (varies in texture, size, and pliability depending on the model.) https://gasmaskandrespirator.fandom.com/