Spares for a powered air welding helmet: filters, lenses, seals, comfort parts and the belt and battery side.
How do I check the airflow before using a powered air helmet?
Check the airflow before every use, with the filters and a charged battery fitted, using the method in the maker's manual. Many units use a flow indicator for this, so follow the manual for how to fit and read it.
HSE guidance for powered respirators says to check the fan is giving enough airflow before use, and never to use the unit if it is not providing enough air. If the fan stops, the flow falls or an alarm sounds while you are working, leave the work area immediately rather than carrying on. A clogged filter, a flat battery or a kinked hose are common causes of low flow, but the manual decides the fix.
How do I know when to change the filters?
There is no single interval for everyone. HSE guidance says to change the filters on a powered respirator as the maker instructs, and sooner if they are damaged or visibly contaminated. A fall in airflow is also a sign that a filter is loaded, so check the flow after every change.
On a unit with more than one filter, HSE guidance says to fit identical filters and change them all together. It is good practice to mark each filter with the date it was fitted, and not to use filters past their shelf-life date. Heavy fume and dusty conditions usually mean more frequent changes.
What is the difference between a pre-filter and the main filter?
The main filter is the particle filter that cleans the air the blower draws in. HSE guidance says that fume, smoke and dust need a particle filter. A pre-filter sits in front of it to catch coarser material, and many units also have a spark screen at the intake so hot particles do not reach either filter. The pre-filter helps the main filter last longer.
Filters generally cannot be washed or cleaned with compressed air, and a dirty filter should never be reused. Fit only the filters named in the manual and replace them rather than cleaning them.
Can I swap in parts from other helmets, and will the protection class change?
Do not mix parts unless the maker says they are suitable. HSE guidance says replacement parts should ideally come from the original maker of the equipment, so that it keeps performing as originally intended and gives the protection the maker states.
Powered helmets are marked with a class, TH1, TH2 or TH3, under the European standard for powered air respirators, so check the marking and the manual for the version your equipment was certified to. The class is normally given for the complete helmet, blower and filter combination the maker supplies and tests, so a similar-looking part that is not listed for your helmet may not give the same result. Check the manual and the markings on the old part, and our team can help you check a part against your model details.
How should I clean and store the helmet, hose, belt and blower?
Clean after use with a soft cloth, warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners, keep liquid out of the blower and off the filters, and do not spray the blower unit. Let everything dry fully before storage.
While cleaning, inspect the filter, pre-filter and spark screen and replace any that are damaged. HSE guidance says RPE should be cleaned before storing and kept clean, away from contamination, damage and deterioration, following the maker's instructions. Use only the cleaning products your manual recommends.
Does a powered helmet need a face fit test, and who should maintain it?
HSE guidance explains that tight-fitting face pieces need a face fit test, while loose-fitting face pieces such as hoods, helmets and visors rely on enough clean air being supplied. Its table for powered hoods and helmets lists fit testing as not required.
HSE guidance on maintaining RPE says to follow the maker's instructions, have a competent person do the work, keep records and set suitable intervals. Its general advice is a thorough examination at least monthly, or within three months if the equipment is used only occasionally. A maker may also set a periodic service, so check your manual. Wearers need training in fitting, checks and cleaning.