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Filters, seals, hoses and spares for one maker's powered air welding helmets: what each type of part does and how to choose and look after it.
A powered unit only protects if it provides enough filtered air to the head top. The HSE says maintenance of powered respirators includes checking the battery charge and the flow rate, and makers describe a simple flow indicator test before use. If the flow is below the minimum, do not use the unit until it has been examined and repaired.If an alarm sounds while you are working, leave the work area and find the cause. A blocked filter, a flat battery or a leaking hose or seal are common reasons. Follow your own manual.
The right timing depends on the maker, the type of filter and how dusty or fumy the work is. The HSE says the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, including recommended replacement periods and shelf lives, should always be followed.Typical signs a filter needs changing are shorter battery run time than before, a low-airflow alarm even with a charged battery, or damage. Heat, dust and spatter shorten life. Do not wash or tap out a particle filter unless the maker says that is allowed, and always fit the correct type for the unit.
The HSE says RPE should be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, and that leaving it in dirty areas can contaminate the inside and deteriorate it through dirt, solvents and sunlight. HSE guidance adds that cleaning products other than those the maker recommends may cause problems.In practice, clean parts as the manual describes, let them dry and keep them in a clean, dry place away from sunlight, heat and solvents. Keep spare filters in their sealed wrapping until needed.
No. HSE guidance says FFP3 disposable masks and P3 particle filters do not protect against welding gases, and the same applies to a particle filter on a powered unit. Gas and combination filters exist, and powered units can be used with particle, gas or combined filters, depending on the unit.If your work produces gases or vapours as well as fume, check the risk assessment and the maker's manual to see which filter is required, and fit only the type named for your unit.