Welding respirators are vital for protecting your lungs when you are welding. Welding produces harmful fumes and particles which can cause serious health problems if inhaled. A welding respirator mask will filter out these harmful fumes and particles, protecting your lungs.
There are many different types of welding respirator masks available, so it is important to choose one that is suitable for the type of welding you will be doing. Some masks will only filter out certain types of fumes, while others will provide full protection from all welding fumes. Welding respirator masks can be bought from most welding supply stores. They are relatively inexpensive and will last for many years if properly cared for.
Types of Welding Respirator Masks
There are many different types of welding respirator masks available. They are used for different types of welding and different types of fumes. There are three main types of welding respirator masks:
Non-wear ventilating masks
These are masks that are used when welding fumes are at a low level. They are designed to fit snugly to the face and are not worn over the face. Non-wear ventilating masks are used for welding on metals that are not fuming. Welding on non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel, copper, and brass will not create harmful fumes. These masks can also be used when welding on ferrous metals that have a low fume level such as cast iron and mild steel.
Ventilating masks
Ventilating masks are used when welding on metals that create harmful fumes. These masks fit over the face and have a built in ventilation system.
Ventilating masks are used for welding on ferrous metals that create harmful fumes. These include metals such as mild steel and cast iron. Ventilating masks will also protect against fumes from welding on non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and magnesium.
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR)
Powered air purifying respirators are used when welding in environments where there are high levels of fumes. These masks fit over the face and have a battery powered blower that forces air through a filter.
Powered air purifying respirators are used for welding in environments where there are high levels of fumes. These include welding in shipyards, power plants, and chemical plants. They are also used in welding shops and welding supply stores when welding on certain fuming metals such as zinc, cadmium, and lead.