Regular exposure to airborne toxic materials is a very real hazard in the finishing industry, whether you work in the paint shop, powder coating, or industrial spraying environment.
Harmful particulate can be easily inhaled into the lungs and have serious (sometimes fatal) consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial that you have the appropriate respiratory protection, including an air-fed mask.
What is an air-fed mask?
Simply put, an air-fed mask is a welding helmet with a built-in respirator.
It uses a battery-powered fan to provide clean air to the user and prevents contaminated particles from being passed through the filter. As a result, it provides maximum protection against dust, dirt, and other potentially harmful fragments.
Though air-fed masks are mostly used in the workplace, they’re also suitable for use at home – particularly by users who carry out welding tasks, or use materials that generate a lot of harmful fumes.
How do they work?
Air-fed masks, like the Honeywell Sperian Airvisor 2, are fantastic for spray painting and powder coating environments – delivering clean filtered air to those who deal with hazardous substances (e.g. isocyanate paints, dust, and powders).
Air is sucked into the back of the respirator unit via a filter. There is a diffusor inside the helmet which provides optimum delivery of airflow, and the clean air is pumped into the helmet via a hose so the user can breathe with ease.
The Airvisor mask weighs less than a kilogram, so is remarkably lightweight. It comes with an adjustable fit to maximise comfort, and a waistbelt to allow the user to move freely without worrying about tripping over any dangling wires.
It also has a durable yet clear visor, made from chemical-resistant acetate, which helps to protect the user’s face from particulates in the atmosphere.
Should there be any sort of malfunction or compromise, the air-fed mask is equipped with several safety features – including a carbon filter, safety regulator, low warning whistle, and tear-off screens to protect against overspray.
Screens, filters, chin guards, and other fittings are also compatible with the air-fed mask to further enhance safety.
The benefits of air-fed masks
As mentioned above, air-fed masks like the Airvisor 2 protect operators from harmful fumes and gases. They provide a source of fresh air in a simple yet effective way that enables them to do their job without sacrificing quality or safety.
Here we look at some of the key reasons why an air-fed helmet is essential in blast rooms, spray booths, and powder coating plants.
- Approximately 12,000 people die from long-term exposure to respiratory hazards each year. Just a few minutes of exposure to fine dust, fumes, or gas vapour could lead to illness. Wearing a full face air-fed mask prevents you from getting ill and allows you to continue working for longer.
- The respirator unit is conveniently attached to your waist on a belt – so wherever you go, it goes with you.
- When working in warm conditions, the airflow across the face has a cooling effect.
- Air-fed masks are cheaper to buy than fume extraction systems – ideal if you’re looking to minimise your costs.
Ready to upgrade your respiratory protection?
As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of surface finishing equipment, Surface Finishing Equipment Group (SFEG) is proud to supply the top-selling Airvisor 2 mask, which provides a practical solution for a host of finishing environments.
Much like any of the products we supply, these air-fed masks from Honeywell are manufactured to exceptional quality, meet stringent safety standards (EN 14594:2004), and are priced competitively.
To purchase yours, simply click ‘add to cart’ and proceed to the checkout. We will then process your order and deliver your air-fed mask to your door as soon as possible.
Get in touch
If you’d like to know more about air-fed masks or have a question about the Airvisor 2, please don’t hesitate to contact SFEG. Our team is always on hand and would love to hear from you.
