New designs and feature additions have operator comfort in mind, Sommers added. PAPR systems have an APF of 25, which means they can protect users from foreign contaminants better than half-mask respirators, which have a factor of 10. An APF of 10, for instance, means that the respirator can protect users from contaminant levels that are up to 10 times the permissible exposure limit. The assigned protection factor (APF) measures a mask’s or respirator’s ability to protect users from contaminants, assuming the PPE is worn correctly. Next, PAPRs provide an increased level of protection against airborne contaminants. “Having that blower pack provide that constant supply of fresh air alleviates the burden from a breathing perspective for the welder,” Sommers said. With half-mask respirators, you’re using your lungs to pull the air through, which can cause some fatigue, and in hot environments some people don’t like them,” he said. “ using the blower unit to pull the air through the filters as opposed to putting that burden on the welder. One benefit is comfort, particularly in hot working environments. Designs With Users in MindĪccording to Sommers, the PAPR’s higher cost is countered by its benefits and what it can do. Welders should be conscious that a PAPR system adds some weight to their gear and should be situationally aware of the air line running from the blower unit to the back of the helmet, Relyea explained. The respirator is not exclusive to metalworking as they can be found in pharmaceuticals, powder coating, grinding, woodworking, and other processes where there is potential for airborne contaminants to be breathed in by individuals. “If there’s a filter on, it has to be changed sooner or later,” he added.Ī PAPR system uses a blower unit to pull air through a filter and pump it into a pressurized hood assembly. “The frequency of changing filters is really dependent on the environment one is working in,” Relyea said. However, as with all fume extraction systems, they do require maintenance, such as filter changes and charging the battery for the blower unit. Shaun Relyea, tech support national manager for Fronius USAFRONIUS.COM, said a PAPR system is a great addition to any shop.
PAPR systems typically come with hefty price tags (some around $2,000), much more than half-mask respirators, which can fall in the $20 or $30 price range. Cost is arguably the biggest deterrent for customers, said Sommers. Since then, several manufacturers have released their own PAPR offerings varying in price, quality, and features that cater to metalworkers. “The PAPR technology-the use of a blower to pull air through a filter and pump it into a pressurized hood assembly-it’s been used in pharmaceuticals, powder-coat painting, grinding, even woodworking applications where there is potential for any airborne contaminants to be breathed in by individuals,” said Eric Sommers, product manager for respiratory protection at Miller Electric Mfg. During the welding process, chromium converts to its hexavalent state, Cr(VI).
As defined by OSHA, chromium is a component in stainless steel, nonferrous alloys, chromate coatings, and some welding consumables. The particle is of particular concern in welding because it is considered toxic and can damage the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs and potentially lead to cancer. The PAPR gained relevancy in metalworking in the 2000s when the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) released updated requirements regarding hexavalent chromium. Exposure to these particles could eventually lead to respiratory illnesses and diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, metal fume fever, and cancer.Īdvancements in PAPR technology have made this PPE option much less intimidating, accessible, and even comfortable for welders considering such an option. Welders can be exposed to hazardous metal and gas particles found in welding fumes. Hesitations aside, this type of PPE is a solid option for welders worried about what goes into their lungs while under the hood. After all, these respirators typically are a more expensive personal protective equipment (PPE) option and require welders to wear a belt pack with a hose running from it to the helmet.
LLCĪt first glance, a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) may scare off some welders and metalworkers.
Advancements in powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) technology have made this PPE option less intimidating, more accessible, and more comfortable for welders and metalworkers to wear on the job.
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