As knowledge increases around the health hazards associated with breathing welding fumes and gases, so too increases the need to educate, train and provide welders with appropriate protection.

The potential impacts of exposure to welding fumes and gases are wide ranging and can include short term effects such as eye and skin irritation, nausea and dizziness, as well as more serious long terms effects including ulcers, heart disease and cancer. The US Department of Health reports that welders run a 40% greater risk than any other professional groups of being affected by lung cancer.

While these illnesses and diseases are preventable, unfortunately many welders do not wear sufficient respiratory protection when they should because they are often unaware of exact requirements or underestimate the importance respiratory safety.

Safe welding practice requires recognition of the hazards, evaluation of the risks and implementation of control measures to protect workers.

A respirator plays an important role in the protection of welders from potentially deadly fumes and gases.

There are a wide range of respirator options, each offering specific benefits and limitations. Here we look at three common respirator types, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Disposable respirators

Ideal for use under a welding helmet, they provide lightweight and comfortable respiratory protection.

Advantages:

• No cleaning or maintenance required.
   
• Lightweight and does not restrict mobility.

Disadvantages:

• If respirator is not fitted correctly, then level of protection may be compromised or reduced.
   
• Respirator can become loaded extremely quickly in certain welding environments.
   

Reusable respirators

Advantages:

• Only the filters need to be replaced when required.
   
• Lightweight and doesn’t restrict mobility.
   
• Often provides a better fit than disposable

Disadvantages:

• The respirator must be routinely inspected, cleaned and maintained.
   
• If respirator is not fitted correctly, then level of protection may be compromised or reduced.
   
• Filters can become overloaded extremely quickly in certain welding environments.
   

Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR)

Uses a blower to force ambient air through an air-purifying element and a hose to the user’s hood or helmet. Offers higher levels of respiratory protection as well as protection to head, eye and face and increased comfort levels.

Advantages:

• High level of respiratory protection with full mobility.
   
• No fitting issues or breathing resistance.
   
• Air movement can provide a cooling effect.
   
• May deliver lower operation costs overtime when compared to disposable and reusable respirators.

Disadvantages:

• The respirator must be routinely inspected, cleaned, maintained and batteries charged.

Naturally, every welding environment is unique and should be evaluated by a certified safety professional or industrial hygienist to determine the appropriate course of action.