The second line of defence for a welder against harmful fume is the Air Fed Welding mask, with Foster offering a number of clean air options from the 3M Speedglas Adflo to the Weltek Navitek S4 & the Foster Prem-air system.
Operators not wearing an Air fed welding helmet, need to know about welding fume & it's harmful effects: In February 2019, the Health & Safety Executive issued a warning around all welding fume, linking it to lung cancer. There is no known safe level of exposure to fume and we urge all users to review their processes, local exhaust ventilation & respiratory protective equipment. Taking away all welding fume from the operators breathing zone is virtually impossible, so we recommend air fed welding masks are worn.
It is important to tackle welding fume in the workplace in two stages; Firstly, make sure welding fume released is controlled adequately by installing LEV & secondly, protect the welder from breathing in any residual welding fume by issuing an air fed welding mask.
Your choice of Air fed welding helmet should consider a number of factors such as; welding filter specification(clear view technology), headgear, grinding options and level of protection. You can maker deeper assessments before buying your air fed mask around PAPR battery charging times, particle filter life, blower unit weight & the general cost of consumables. If you are a spectacle wearer, it is important to fit test the welding helmet or ensure you can fit an extra magnifying lens.