by Natalie Edwards

There's a few misconceptions we've heard floating around about powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) that should really be cleared up...if you're trying to decide what the best respiratory equipment is for you, or your workers, read on and we'll dispell some of the rumours you might have heard so you can make an informed decision...

 

1. You need to be clean shaven for a respirator to work

This is true for negative pressure, tight fitting respirators, but not for positive pressure PAPR respirators. Where half and full-face respirators require a tight fit to seal out all the air contaminants, PAPR respirators work by filtering in clean air to the headpiece which pushes out contaminants trying to make their way in. PAPR respirators only require a loose fit, so they're great if you want to keep that beard or moustache! They're also proven to increase productivity in the workshop...

2. PAPR respirators require fit testing

False - PAPR respirators are a loose fitting powered air purifying respirator, so don't require a fit test. Fit testing is only for tight fitting negative pressure respirators such as a half or full face respirator, where a seal around the face is required to protect the wearer from air contaminants.

3. The filters only need changing when you start to smell the contaminants leaking through

While it is true that you should change the filters if you start to smell the contaminants leaking through, this technique is not the only one you should be relying on. Everyone has a different sense of smell, and this should not be relied on to determine when/if a filter should be changed. A good PAPR respirator unit like a TECMEN's FreFlow will provide the wearer with an alert when the filter needs changing. If your air-fed welding helmet does not have an alert, or you use a negative pressure respirator, a maintenance record should be kept along with a schedule for changing the filter.

Learn about the different functions of a TECMEN welding helmet with PAPR and how to change the filters here

4. I don't need powered respirators for my workshop because it already has good ventilation...

Also incorrect. Even if your workshop does have adequate oxygen, a good powered air respirator will have the following benefits:

  • Filters out dangerous air-born particles and contaminants using positive pressure.
  • Supplies clean, cool air to the wearer - drastically reducing issues with breathing resistance, heat and moisture build-up.
  • Loose fitting - so no need for fit testing, and you don't have to worry about things like facial hair, eyewear, or piercings.
  • All day comfort - the wearer should be able to wear a welding helmet with PAPR comfortably all day, regardless of changing tasks. This reduces the risk of breathing in contaminants if the helmet was to be taken on and off.
  • Whole head protection - wearing the helmet will also protect the wearer's face, head and neck from flying particles, welding flashes and contaminants that can irritate eyes.

Plus with a positive pressure helmet, you won't have as much to worry about when WorkSafe come for a visit!

5. Wearing a air-fed welding helmet causes neck strain and injuries

A good air-fed welding helmet should only be slightly heavier than your average half-mask or full-face respirator. This is because a helmet has added protection for your whole head. A good helmet with PAPR respirator will be designed to evenly distribute the weight and provide all-day comfort to the wearer.

Neck strain and injuries are often the result of ill fitting safety gear that moves around or causes the wearer to position themselves awkwardly in order to keep safe or be able to perform tasks.

It can also be caused when the weight of the powered air respirator attachment is not centered, causing an uneven distribution of weight on one side. Look for PAPR respirators designed with these issues in mind such as the TECMEN TM820 and TM1000 with PAPR. These PAPR respirator helmets have features such as:

  • Headgear with adjustable straps for all-day comfort
  • Heavy duty belt with shoulder straps so the weight of the PAPR is not adding unnecessary weight to the helmet
  • Hose is connected at the center of the helmet for better balance

Learn more about the TECMEN FreFlow Powered Air Respirator here