[Chippet]

My hens free range daily, otherwise they are in a coop with gravel, I keep it clean the best I can and then occasionally do a through clean when I hose the whole lot down, it suddenly occurred you me that I should maybe protect myself with a mask? Thanks

[ehs284]

Probably a good idea, but I have a similar sounding situation and don't use one.
The problem with masks is that you need the right sort; a dust mask, for example, can hold dust which is then affected by the water and the released gases are breathed in. They can also affect breathing and there is a need to consider how to fit and take them off without contaminating the face, which isn't always easy. The face mask which is a clear visor fastened to a hard hat is probably best (in the situation of hosing and brushing) as it will stop the spray/aerosols impacting on the face (although not stop them being inhaled). With care you shouldn't get a major aerosol problem using a normal hose, but do remember that everything you wear will be contaminated by any spray and should be taken off before re-entering your house.

[Chippet]

Although I do enter the house wearing those clothes, they do go in the wash straight away.
Is there anything in particular I'm putting myself at risk of?
thanks!

[joyfull]

there is nothing you can catch from your chickens but if you are asthmatic then you may need to take precautions against any dust etc.

[ehs284]

Ah, Joyful is right about there not being specific transmissible diseases, but there are a lot of opportunistic infections. The obvious group are faecal bacteria and dried poo dust into the mouth is the route. This could include Salmonella, Campylobacter and E.coli. Some parasitic infections are also easily spread this way, but remember that for most of these pathogens you need to swallow a large number and your body will easily cope with the occasional few.
A worrying development is that a growing number of European breeders have hens carrying MRSA (about 8% in the Netherlands) and this is easily spread via dust. I've not heard of any non-commercial people like ourselves having this problem, but it's worth assuming that it is only a matter of time.
Should you be culling and eating out of tins? No. Just keep on acting sensibly as you are doing. The time you are likely to get most contamination is when you take off your outdoor shoes/boots. When you take off your outdoor clothing it's probably a good idea to wash your face as well as your hands. Oh .. and a hat is a good idea, especially if you've more hair then me!