Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Systems
Powered air-purifying respirators use a powered unit to draw air through appropriate filtration and deliver filtered air to a compatible headtop, hood, face shield or helmet. PAPR systems can form part of a respiratory protection program for workplaces where the system is suitable for the identified airborne hazard.
Different PAPR systems are designed for different applications and must be considered as a complete system. The powered unit, filters, headtop, breathing hose and other components need to be compatible and suitable for the intended workplace environment.
That distinction is important because I don't want the collection copy implying that simply buying a PAPR automatically makes a worker protected from every airborne hazard.
PAPR Systems for Welding and Industrial Work
Selected powered respiratory systems combine respiratory protection with additional workplace PPE. The current range includes CleanAIR systems with face shields and a welding helmet configuration, as well as the PIP PowerCap Infinity system with integrated head protection.
Combination systems can be useful where respiratory protection needs to operate alongside face, eye, head or welding protection. The complete system specification should be checked against the hazards and requirements of the work being performed.
Personal Dust Monitoring
Dust monitoring equipment provides a different function from respiratory PPE. Rather than filtering inhaled air, personal dust monitors can assist with understanding and managing exposure to airborne dust during work activities.
The collection includes the Maxisafe Dustlight Personal Dust Monitor together with compatible wearing accessories including a bracelet, chest strap, clothing fastener and belt loop.
Dust monitoring and respiratory protection should therefore not be treated as interchangeable: one can provide information about exposure while the other is intended to provide respiratory protection when correctly selected and used.
Selecting Respiratory Protection for Dust Hazards
Workplace dust can vary considerably in composition, concentration and risk. Appropriate respiratory protection should be selected according to the identified airborne contaminant, exposure level, task, work environment and applicable workplace requirements.
Factors such as filter selection, respiratory protection level, fit, system compatibility, maintenance and manufacturer instructions may all need to be considered. Where respiratory hazards are uncertain or complex, appropriate workplace safety or occupational hygiene advice should be obtained before selecting respiratory protective equipment.
Brands for Dust Exposure and Powered Respiratory Protection
At The Coalface Workwear and Safety stocks specialised dust exposure and powered respiratory protection equipment from Maxisafe and PIP. The current range includes Maxisafe CleanAIR powered respiratory systems and Dustlight personal dust monitoring equipment, together with PIP powered respiratory protection.
Dust exposure systems form part of the broader Respiratory Protection range. Related workplace PPE includes Respiratory Masks and replacement Filters, allowing respiratory protection to be selected according to the particular hazard, task and system requirements.
