Welding is a process that involves heating and melting metal to join two pieces of metal together. The process of welding creates fumes, which can be harmful to the welder's health if inhaled. In order to protect themselves, welders must wear appropriate PPE including respirators.
Respirators are devices that filter the air to remove harmful particles. Welders are exposed to a variety of fumes and gases during the welding process, including metal fumes, ozone, and carbon monoxide. These fumes can cause a variety of health problems such as lung irritation, metal fume fever, and long-term effects such as lung cancer.
The HSE requires that employers provide respirators to their employees if the concentration of harmful particles in the air exceeds the permissible exposure limit. Employers must also establish and maintain a respiratory protection program that includes the selection, use, and maintenance of respirators.
When selecting a respirator for welding, it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for the type of welding that will be performed. There are several types of respirators available, including air purifying respirators, powered air respirators and half mask respirators. Air purifying respirators filter the air that the welder breathes, while supplied air respirators provide the welder with clean air from a separate source.
Choosing the correct filter will be determined with the exact task you are undertaking - in most case a P3 filter will do the job, if you are unsure on the protection you need then contact the team at OAKEYS safety or a manufacture of a powered air systems such as Pureflo.
Welders should also be properly trained on the use and maintenance of their respirators. This includes learning how to properly fit and wear the respirator, how to clean and maintain it, and how to recognize when it needs to be replaced.
In conclusion, welders need to wear respirators to protect themselves from the harmful fumes and gases created during the welding process. Employers have the responsibility to provide respirators and establish a respiratory protection program to ensure the safety of their employees.
It's important for welders to be properly trained on the use and maintenance of their respirators to ensure they are using them correctly and getting the full protection they need.
Respiratory Masks
Respiratory masks is at large in the marketplace with hundreds of different variations of products and performance levels, OAKEYS have valuable experience within this category, understanding which products offer the best performance, price, quality and protection.
OAKEYS has condensed all the respiratory products in the industry into our range of products, supplying an excellent range of products without leaving you with to many options.
Our range consists of disposable dust masks, half masks, full face masks, powered air respiratory unit and face fit testing kits.
Providing performance levels of FFP2, FFP3, P3, A2P3, ABEK1P3.
We have qualified face fit testers which are are able to carry out face fit testing to ensure that your face mask fits correct and is keeping you protected.
