powered respirators

[Bob47]

I am looking for a powered respirator. Dust masks are not very effective for me, partly the whiskers.
Carbatec offer the Paftec respirators and an "economy powered respirator".
Does anyone have any experience of either of these? There is a big price difference. The economy model looks alright, but there is no specification as to airflow. Is it a case of you get what you pay for?

[557]

I have a paf tec respirator that I use mainly for welding.It works well but can be a bit awkward to put on due to the small buttons you have to find to attach the two halves.Once I got used to that it is easy to use,and I quite like using it.
I use the paf tec mainly because of its versatility,when I am not welding,(it fits nicely under a headshield),I can also use it for grinding or for wood sanding.
Hope this helps.
David.

[Lyle]

I bought/use this one. (no affiliation with the company other than a customer!)

Product Details

I put in good rechargeable batteries.
The batt pack sits in a pocket, or clips onto belt, waistband.
I get a full day of runtime.
It has two speed which is OK, but not too much difference in airflow between them.
The mask is a soft noeprene? rubber and is OK for wearing. It has lasted over four years with only an occassional clean. No perishing that I can see just yet.
I wear reading glasses when turning and they sit comfortably just over the nose piece. But you may want to try the mask for fit for your face/glasses for comfort.
Noise is minimal.
No fogging of glasses that I have encountered (I have used this mask in Ipswich during their long hot humid seasons and down here in Newcastle in winter).
Weight is to me no overly big and I do not see it an an issue.
The pack came with pre filters (sort of a felt insert between the main filter and the outside air.
The main filters are a standard buy so no extra special order for them.

CONS - some people do not like a mask 'clinging' to their face. When it is hot and humid you do get a sweaty face and I just have a break and wipe the mask out with a tissue and then keep going.
(although no mask I know delivers cool air.The mask is in no way a impact protection device! Normal safety protection required. So be aware that you may need to see how it fits with your safety gear you normally wear.

For me this was a great buy, in terms of cost, ease of use, ease of buying spare filters.
Good luck in your decision.
Lyle.

[Markw]

Firstly I would ask does the respirtaor meet Australian/New Zealand Standard 1716 - section 6 PAPR. If it doesn't then walk away.

Me, I use an old 3M Dustmaster mated up to Scott Safety Visor assembly. I'm certainly not suggesting anybody alter respiratory equipment from standard but this is what I use.

[Bob47]

Thanks for the comments. The reference to the Australian Standard was what I needed, I have asked suppliers about this.

The Timbecon mask seems to be the same as the Carbatec one (same order code), but differently priced.

[Mobyturns]

Smart move upgrading PPE respiratory protection. Particle respirators are a good start, powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) are the next step, but before purchasing consider what type of hazards your are seeking protection from. If you are also using products giving off potentially harmfull gasses / vapours (ie cutting MDF - formaldahydes etc) you may wish to consider a combination respirator - particulate & gas / vapours, however they are more specific to the application, & hazard type.

I have used the Trend / Purelite Airshield for about 7 years in woodturning applications, no fogging, excellent face seal even with a light beard, excellent airflow if filters are maintained as they should be, plus with a simple $20 AA rechargeable external battery pack build you bypass the slow charging issues of the standard charger / battery combination. Also offers some impact protection for face & brow etc. Also meets AS/NZ standards.

One hazard most over look with the half face respirators is that fine dust and particles can do significant long term eye damage and cause more immediate injuries. A half face won't protect eyes where a full face PAPR (powered air purifying respirator) will offer a higher level of protection. Most occupational safety authorities recommend wearing goggles as well as a half face PAPR (or masks) as PPE controls.

Removing dust at the source via extraction should have a high priority in dust control.