More help with PPE - masks etc

[Davek0974]

Not too bad with the close-up, most annoying thing with the glasses is nodding the mask down and the glasses slide down the nose

The filters came today so should get to test them very soon. I checked the mask fit by covering the intake vents with my palms and trying to breathe in - not possible so seems to fit ok.

 

[Scuttle]

I know this is a bit late, but for anyone else who comes across this thread in the future.

I gambled on a couple "3m 7502" housings from eBay China. Expected knock off quality but was pleasantly surprised. Both look and feel genuine and have held up well and still going strong 12months later. No broken plastics, silicone/elastic not perished e.t.c

Not sure I'd trust knock off cannisters but I would buy another housing again. UK genuine 3m were much more pricy when I looked.

It's not just the Chinese filters you need to worry about, the valves on the mask are vital as well. So buy the complete kit from a reputable outlet like Arco. Saving a few quid on a Chinese mask isn't worth risking long term damage to your lungs.

 

[Gareth J]

Saving a few quid on a Chinese mask isn't worth risking long term damage to your lungs.

I agree.

However, the ones I have bought appear to be of very decent quality, to the point where I would not be surprised if they are indeed genuine 3m. And they pull a very good seal, with the silicone still supple now.

If, as I was, you were using disposal valved masks, these would be streets ahead and significantly less expensive to run.

The reliability of the seal of a cartridge mask is very easy to test.

Cost will always be a consideration, even with h&s. The difference in price is not just a few quid. For me, that cost difference was the difference between me buying a well fitting cartridge type or persevering with poorer sealing disposable ones.

 

[Pete.]

If your workshop is filling up with fumes and airborne crap why not rig up a simple extractor in the weld area? That will stop it getting in through your eyes and skin too.