A PAPR welding helmet isn’t the answer to ALL your workplace air quality issues, but it can be a big part of the solution.
Read to the end to discover our FREE welding fume extraction assessment and action plan, plus the other ways we can support your team.
A well-chosen helmet can be both cost effective and give a very high level of individual protection when used correctly.
To go back a step, a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) attaches to a welding helmet with a full head cover and pumps freshly filtered cool air across your face. The positive pressure of the fresh air coming in pushes out any contaminated air coming in around the edges, protecting your breathing airways from welding fume and particles.
Because of the positive pressure inside the helmet, there doesn’t need to be a tight fit around the face, some facial hair can be ok, fitting is easier and more comfortable than a tight seal.
A PAPR which meets AS/NZS 1716:2012 standards with P3 grade filters can remove 99.95% of welding fume and particles, that’s absolute maximum protection while you wear it.
A well-fitting, secure, lightweight helmet supplying fresh, cool air which makes breathing easier, and reduces heat and moisture build up should be comfortable enough to wear all day if needed. This reduces the risk of inhaling welding fume if the helmet is taken on and off.
Be aware that welding fume particles can stay in the workplace air for several hours after welding stops. Extraction at source by fume extraction torches or local extraction hoods, used correctly, will remove most of it but best practise is to open the helmet only when you are away from the area.
As WorkSafe states, there is NO safe level of welding fume. Extract welding fumes to reduce the risk of dangerous contamination to all people accessing the area and protect the one most at risk with a welding helmet and PAPR system which meets the highest AS/NZS Standards.
