Overview of respiratory protection for welding

The role of PPE

Effective risk management in all welding environments requires a systematic approach. While the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is the most visible part of workplace safety strategies, it should be any company's last line of defense, not the first.

Once the hazards and risks to be reduced have been identified, the next step is to design and implement appropriate controls to eliminate or minimise them. The control hierarchy measures should be applied in a hierarchical manner; those at the top of the chart are potentially more effective and offer more protection than those at the bottom.

One of the most effective methods of controlling welding fumes is to capture them at their source. The use of local exhaust vents (LEVs) can protect the welder and prevent fumes from spreading and affecting others.

Unfortunately, engineering controls may not adequately control exposures or may not be practical enough for all tasks. When this happens, appropriate respiratory protection equipment (EPR) will be needed. Systems implemented following this hierarchy are usually inherently safer, as they involve a substantial reduction in the risk of disease or injury.

A quick look at three types of masks

Motorised breathing equipment 3M TM Adflo TM

Its own filtered, mobile and adaptable atmosphere

Is there any way to provide respiratory protection against damaging weld fumes by increasing comfort in the face and head?

Deal with workplace hazards with breathing protection that all workers will want to wear.

The 3MTM AdfloTM motorized breathing equipment, one of the most popular masks of its kind worldwide, is designed to provide welders with a nominal airflow of 170 litres per minute*, regardless of battery load or filter particle load.

Green light

As soon as the Adflo motorised breathing apparatus is switched on, an indicator of the particle filter status appears. A green light indicates that the unit is operating normally. A red light indicates that the filter is blocked.

A green indicator: new particulate filter. Two green indicators: if a new gas filter is also installed.

As the filter becomes clogged, more indicators will light up.

Three green and one red lights - the battery life is shorter. It is recommended to change the particulate filter.

Three green lights and two red lights: the particulate filter is stuck and needs to be changed.

Air supply regulators 3M See it

Light on the belt and soft on the ears

The 3MTM VersafloTM V–500E balanced belt regulator continuously provides you with the airflow level you have set (170-305 litres per minute). It has a silencer that maintains a noise level equivalent to a normal conversation.

There are two alternative regulators that cool (V-100E) or heat (V-200E) the airflow to 28 °C. These regulators are excellent options for those workers who are exposed to uncomfortable temperature ranges.

Look at all the features right here

Choose the head unit

The 3MTM SpeedglasTM team has developed a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE), so that welders can select the right equipment for each job. That means meeting several of the welder's protection needs, in addition to training welders to perform at their highest levels.

Welding screens G5-01 3M SpeedglasTM

Look at the features right here

Welding screen 9100MP 3M Speed glasses

Look at the features right here

Welding screens 9100-Air 3M Speed glasses

Look at the features right here

Reusable masking stockings 3M

Reusable half mask 3M Secure Click of the HF-800 series

• Single filter and cartridge connection, press until you hear a click
• The communication diaphragm is designed to facilitate communication during work
• The exhaust valve directs the exhaled air and humidity downwards

3M Reusable half-mask without maintenance, 4000+ series

• Maintenance free: save time with integrated filters.
• Less heat and moisture accumulates thanks to the central exhaust valve.
• You can reuse them until they're damaged, clogged with particles or saturated with gas.

Reusable masking stockings 3M manufacture from materials of any heading

• Our medium silicone mask retains its shape even in very hot environments.
• Low profile design with a wide field of view.
• It's very easy to put on and take off, in unpolluted environments, with our convenient quick-open-closure mechanism.
• Easy breathing with the exhaust valve 3M CoolFlow.

Reusable masking stockings 3M 7500 series

• Soft silicone facial material for added comfort and durability.
• Easy breathing with the exhaust valve 3M CoolFlow.
• It's a very convenient quick-opening mechanism.

10 x LEP for ozone50 x LEAPforparticles

Besides, remove the vapours organic and gas acids oflevels annoying

IN 140:1998(masks) INOther +A1:2006

Average mask reusablewithout maintenance 4255+

10 x LEP(1) or 5000 ppm (whichever is less) for organic vapour2) 50 x LEAP(1) forparticles

IN405:2001 +A1:2009FA2P3 R D

Average mask reusablewithout maintenance 4277+

10 x LEAP(1) or 1000 ppm (the that whether minor) for vapoursorganic2), vapours inorganic and gas acids

50 x LEAP(1) for particles

IN405:2001 +A1:2009FABE1P3 R D

Socks other 6500QL or7500 with 3MTM Filters ofparticles 2128

10 x LEAP(1) for ozone

12 x LEAP(1) for particles solids and liquid (P2 (R)

Besides, remove 3) the vapours organic and gas acids oflevels upset.

IN140:1998(masks)IN 143:2000 +A1:2006

Socks other 6500QL or7500 with filter of particles2138

10 x LEAP(1) for ozone

50 x LEAP(1) for particles solids and liquid (P3) (R)

Besides, remove 3) the vapours organic and gas acids oflevels upset.

IN140:1998(masks)IN 143:2000 +A1:2006

Since the size and shape of each person' s head is different, we recommend that you check with your 3M to look together for the mask models that are most compatible with their welding screens. The filter option reference is for particulate filtering.

The masks 3M can be combined with many other types of gas and vapour filters. Visit www.3M.com to look for other options.

1) LEP = Occupational exposure limit. Use the local exposure limit.

2) Boiling point of organic vapours > 65 °C.

3) Disturbing levels are concentrations below LEP.

Do you, as a welder, know what's in your air?

Follow the Path to Protection

1. to detect

We believe welders deserve to feel safe and comfortable during their workday.

Clean air is essential for employee safety, but you won't know if you have adequate protection without monitoring and understanding what's in the air you breathe.

Different welding methods and environments require different levels of protection; let us help you on your way to safety.

2. Select

Establishing a comprehensive respiratory protection programme requires both the selection of the correct masks and a plan for changing gas/ steam cartridges.

The selection of welding PPE includes several parameters, such as protection, comfort and performance. Each welding situation and environment has its unique challenges.

It doesn't matter how good your protective gear is if then nobody uses it. We make helmets that are comfortable, attractive, and that promote welder performance.

3. Protect

The risk is constant. You will need a coherent programme that can also adapt to new challenges, and we want to help you set one up.

We've developed tools and guidelines to help you maintain your equipment and get the most out of it.

It's from: 3M Spain, S.L.