Air Purifying Welding Helmets?

[KevD815]

Hey do any of you guys have any experience with air purifying welding hoods (PAPR)? The ones that have the belt mounted fan that blows nice fresh air into the helmet. Ive been welding on equipment for a number of years now and im really looking for the best way to protect myself from the fumes. I wear a respirator religiously but that thing sure gets annoying. Especially in the heat of summer.

I'm really thinking fo trying a PAPR and am willing to spend the money on one if it will work well. Anyone try one before? For those of you who dont know what im talking about...

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/welding_protection/filtration/papr/#load-panel-titanium-9400

Thanks!

 

[johndeere123]

Ive never used one, but some of the people i work with have them. They use the 3M speedglas and love them.

 

[ScottAR]

I deal with em on the supply side in the auto refinish industry (paint spraying) . In short, they work. At least on the painter's version all the components are replaceable and pretty common. I dunno if you deal with OSHA/EPA or not, there's some paperwork with em and any other respirator type device. The body shops are required to have a changeout plan and keep a log of it in case the feds show up. Something to keep in mind.

 

[KevD815]

Thanks guys. Scott it completely slipped my mind that those things would be considered a "respirator type device" And yes i get to deal with OSHA and more commonly MSHA. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[ScottAR]

Just remember they're from the government and they're there to help. :beatsme

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=12716&p_table=standards
In case you feel like digesting some government'eese.

 

[NPistone]

We use these PAPR systems all day long cutting scrap. I have enclosed some pictures of it via my instagram account. You don't have to do a fit test or be shaved and the systems shuts itself off when its to dirty. Replace the filters and continue on with the day. You can stand in the smoke all day long and breath fresh air. Its crazy. I don't use them to weld but the 3m distributor showed me all the neat stuff you could do with it if you were a welder. It can step down shades so if you are welding all day it doesnt strain your eyes. They are amazing. They come at a cost though 2500.00 bucks a pop. They are a respriator, hard hat, and eye protection all in one. You can e-mail me at Pistonescrapprocessing@yahoo.com if you have any other questions.

http://statigr.am/p/385470802466293342_279399720

http://statigr.am/p/384720565539817262_279399720