by Natalie Edwards

You wear a respirator to stay safe — but what if it's not working as well as you think? When you grind or cut, hazardous fumes and fine particles fill the air. If your respirator isn’t sealed properly due to facial hair, a bandanna, or poor fit, you could be inhaling toxic contaminants without realising it. The good news? There's a solution.

Grinding and cutting produce harmful dust, vapours, and airborne particles that build up in the lungs over time. Your respirator is designed to form a secure barrier, but gaps from facial hair or accessories can let harmful particles slip through, putting your health at risk.

Properly fitting and maintaining your respirator is essential for workplace safety.

Easy Fixes to Maximise Your Respirator’s Protection

So, how do you make sure your half-face respirator actually works? It’s easier than you think:

 

  • Get a Tight Fit: A respirator must sit snugly against your skin. Facial hair and bandannas can create gaps, letting in harmful particles.

  • Check Your Seal: A poor seal means less protection. If shaving isn’t an option, a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is the best alternative.

  • Follow Safety Rules: WorkSafe New Zealand requires PPE to fit properly. A loose or poorly fitted respirator won’t protect you.

  • Upgrade if Necessary: If a proper seal is hard to achieve, a PAPR delivers a steady flow of clean, filtered air.

Protecting your health is worth the effort, and a quick seal check can make all the difference. Avoid anything that affects the fit, like a bandanna or facial hair, as even small gaps can let harmful particles through. If a tight seal isn’t possible, upgrading to a powered air respirator ensures full protection.

Solution:

If achieving a tight seal with your respirator isn’t possible, the TECMEN G10 powered air respirator face shield is the ideal solution. It provides continuous filtered air, ensuring full respiratory protection even with facial hair or other obstacles. Designed for maximum safety and comfort, the G10 allows you to work efficiently without worrying about exposure to harmful fumes.

 

With the TECMEN G10 you eliminate the risk of an improper seal and ensure reliable protection in workshop environments. For tasks requiring additional head protection, the TECMEN G20 powered air respirator face shield offers the same advanced filtration with a built-in hard hat.

So what are you waiting for? Order a TECMEN G10 or TECMEN G20 powered air respirator face shield today and work with confidence, knowing you're fully protected from harmful fumes!