HSE statistics (in the UK) show that there are an estimated twelve thousand lung disease deaths each year linked to past exposures of chemicals and dust at work. Causes include silica dusts, metalworking fluid, and welding fumes. This risk exists across all areas of the foundry process, from mould making, pouring, and fettling, to knocking out and reclamation.
The good news is that these life threatening risks can be reduced to the point of elimination by the correct use of controls. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can be used to protect the wearer against respiratory hazards, with disposable FFP masks, half masks with filters, and powered air purifying respirators (PAPR).
When do you need to face-fit test?
All forms of negative pressure RPE require the wearer to undergo a face-fit test, as the effectiveness depends on a full seal around the face to prevent unfiltered air from entering the mask.
Any facial hair, even long stubble, can compromise the seal, and cause the test (and ongoing protection) to fail – so being clean shaven isn’t optional when wearing a tight fitting mask.
How do powered respirators work?
Powered air respirators are positive pressure systems. These have a belt mounted powered filter unit which sucks the air taken from the surrounding environment through particle, gas or combined filters. The purified air is delivered through a hose into a protective headpiece.
The overpressure inside the system prevents the hazardous substances from entering the breathing zone, even if there are gaps due to facial hair. This mild overpressure at the same time ensures the wearer’s comfort compared to a half mask and allows for longer wear times without breaks.
What are powered respirators suitable for?
PAPR comes in many forms and combinations, depending on the brand and manufacturer. There may be different power unit options, suited to different environments and different filters for various hazards, and the head units are often specific to different tasks. The CleanAIR brand, for example, has three power unit options with numerous head units, including hoods, face shields, welding and grinding visors and full safety helmets.
Combining all your above-the-neck PPE into one also helps to reduce compatibility issues, as it is possible to achieve impact, respiratory, and hearing protection in one unit.
Whether the risk is hard to protect against or can’t be contained by a fixed LEV system as it’s a small run of large objects, PAPR likely is an option to explore further if you haven’t already.
MF Safety can help
The correct protection is needed for every task. It is vital to choose a supplier who can give advice, a good service level, and communicate clearly at every stage of the process.
MF Safety & Workwear is a PPE and clothing supplier based centrally in the UK in the Midlands. Family owned and run, the company has been established in PPE and safety since 1991.
They provide the following:
• Radiant heat protection.
• Contact heat protection.
• Molten metal splash protection.
• Respiratory protection.
• Cut, puncture and impact protection.
MF Safety & Workwear supplies across the UK foundry, castings and forging sectors, providing information and guidance as well as stocking the products to help companies protect staff with a service that can be trusted.
Contact Jon Birch at MF Safety & Workwear for a no-obligation supply review of your PPE and safety clothing. Tel: +44 (0) 115 925 2261, email: [email protected]
web: www.mfsafety.co.uk | www.mfsafetyshop.com