2026 has seen the launch of the CleanAIR headtop for high heat tasks!
Designed over the last four years specifically for the foundry and castings environment, this allows the melt shop and pouring staff to wear the same respiratory system as the rest of the site, for a minimum of spare parts and easy training.
Built on a safety helmet standard headtop with the highest level TH3 filtration rating, the aluminised covers protect the head and neck from molten metal splash to a fully certified D3, E3 standard while decreasing radiant heat exposure by up to 95 per cent. A gold visor reduces glare, as well as reducing infrared radiation.
Suitable for use with both particle filters and combined filters, this system handles metal fumes and grinding dusts, while being one of the lightest, simplest and most cost effective methods of protecting all workers’ ‘above the neck’ risks regardless of facial hair and improving working conditions.
Why respiratory protective equipment is important
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.
When face-fit tests are needed
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) remove the need for face-fit testing because they provide reliable protection without requiring a tight seal to the face. Unlike negative pressure masks, PAPRs continue to deliver clean, filtered air even for wearers with facial hair or those who cannot achieve a full seal.
How powered respirators work
Powered air respirators are positive pressure systems that use a belt mounted powered unit to draw ambient air through particle, gas or combination filters before delivering the clean air to a protective headtop. The maintained overpressure prevents hazardous substances from entering the breathing zone – even with facial hair – while the continuous airflow enhances comfort, supports longer wear times and helps keep the wearer cool.
This is where MF Safety can help
The correct protection is needed for every task. While it is the responsibility of the employer to make sure the PPE is fit for purpose, 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 protection review of your PPE and safety clothing. Tel: +44 (0)115 925 2261, email: [email protected] web: www.mfsafety.co.uk | www.mfsafetyshop.com