- Thread starter TechnicAl
- Start date
For short-duration jobs (most of the hobbyists amongst us) an FFP3 disposable mask should be sufficient if properly fitted (no facial hair), longer duration will have to be air-fed I think. Yes it's expensive but what price your lungs/life?
Most of us will have spent most of our working lives exposed to all sorts, In my case boatbuilding a lot of polyester resin fumes (styrene), Acetone, Peroxide, Vinylester resin, Epoxy resins, Two pack epoxies, two pack polyurethanes, contact glue etc, then there was the toxic timbers, iroko, mahoganies, western red cedar & mdf. Welding with stick in the engine rooms of old wooden trawlers. I was probably the only guy round here who had a powered respirator & wore it most of the time. Most didnt bother, most welders didnt bother either. My current workshop fugs up real quick if i do much welding, so i think i had best finish the new extractor. Hope i beat the odds!
I use one of those twin replaceable filter types, similar to the one in the link below, for when I use a belt grinder on metal etc, what with the plastic head band, I doubt that it will work with the welding helmet though.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/draeger-...p3/73127#product_additional_details_container
I usually use an eclipse mask for grinding and welding as it fits well under a a face shield but only with the standard filters, P3 I think. Would an upgrade to the following filters be advised for fumes?
https://www.screwfix.com/p/gvs-elipse-replacement-respiratory-filters-a1-p3/3706g
https://www.screwfix.com/p/gvs-elipse-replacement-respiratory-filters-a1-p3/3706g
I've been experimenting with a cartridge mask, the main issue is it interferes with my glasses. For paint spraying I've previously adapted a 3m cartridge mask to an airfed regulator, so you don't have the plastic visor - this would work under a flip mask - glasses issues notwithstanding.
I believe they are designed to sweep up whats left after the main fixed extraction has done its job
ajlelectronics
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Speaking for spraying with air fed, it is quite pleasant. You don't get steaming up and you get nice cool and clean air to breathe without the constriction of a "strap on". I have never seen an air fed for under a welding titfer, so can't comment.
I use one of these from weldequip, probably not particularly effective compared to an air fed mask but better than nothing for a hobbyist and it's advertised as being for welding/grinding fumes. It seals really well and doesn't steam glasses up too bad so I've ended up using them for most things where I'd want low level protection.
www.weldequip.com/fume-mask.htm
www.weldequip.com/fume-mask.htm
Ah thanks, I don't have an extraction fan/system in my garage either.
Thats the problem...all the protection is really designed for Industry. I think you just have to try and do the best you can....weld outside, create draughts, keep your head out of the plume etc etc
I use one of these from weldequip, probably not particularly effective compared to an air fed mask but better than nothing for a hobbyist and it's advertised as being for welding/grinding fumes. It seals really well and doesn't steam glasses up too bad so I've ended up using them for most things where I'd want low level protection.
www.weldequip.com/fume-mask.htm
Just been looking at all the masks on Screwfix website, this one looks the same?, sold in packs of 20, works out a bit cheaper. I notice that someone asked about them being suitable for welding fumes back in August last year, no answer though.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/alpha-so...ck/9443r#product_additional_details_container
EDIT: data sheet for the A3V does state for welding.
https://www.alphasolway.com/assets/files/datasheets/respiratory/ALPHA-DATA-A3V-1117.pdf
Been meaning to sort some extraction out as stick welding in the workshop soon fills it with fumes.
Crude but very effective. 15 inch Vortice fan salvaged from an old industrial unit, not got round to using until now but this thread has spurred me on to get it in use. It visibly sucks the fume plume from the weld area and out the door.
EDIT: it's been -1 here today and the extraction does not help with the temperature, there's such a big movement of air it's like a fridge.
Crude but very effective. 15 inch Vortice fan salvaged from an old industrial unit, not got round to using until now but this thread has spurred me on to get it in use. It visibly sucks the fume plume from the weld area and out the door.
EDIT: it's been -1 here today and the extraction does not help with the temperature, there's such a big movement of air it's like a fridge.
https://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+hand-...fp3-for-dust-mist-fume-rutlands+m_rw1039#nogo
This mask just popped up in my inbox, it mentions fumes but I dunno if they mean welding??
Another thing is the case that they sell, I'm guessing that the majority of disposable masks would fit into this, what with the carabiner that's a neat idea I thought.
https://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+moldex-air-plus-storage-case-for-face-mask-ffp3+RW1040
This mask just popped up in my inbox, it mentions fumes but I dunno if they mean welding??
Another thing is the case that they sell, I'm guessing that the majority of disposable masks would fit into this, what with the carabiner that's a neat idea I thought.
https://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+moldex-air-plus-storage-case-for-face-mask-ffp3+RW1040
Disposable masks FFP2 with carbon are classed for welding and metalwork.
So anything like this
https://www.bestworkwear.co.uk/3m-9922-ffp2v-valved-respirator-2638340.html
For the price it's not worth not using them, makes a hell of a difference. You really notice when you take them off in the workshop.
So anything like this
https://www.bestworkwear.co.uk/3m-9922-ffp2v-valved-respirator-2638340.html
For the price it's not worth not using them, makes a hell of a difference. You really notice when you take them off in the workshop.
To be 100% safe surely an oxygen bottle/divers set up would be the only way to go?
From an home gamers point of view, all such equipment is too expensive and impractical for the occasional welding job.
A disposable mask is the only viable option really,....better than nothing you hope.
From an home gamers point of view, all such equipment is too expensive and impractical for the occasional welding job.
A disposable mask is the only viable option really,....better than nothing you hope.
