Overcoming the challenges of wearing a respirator

Manufacturing processes such as welding, drilling and machining make effective respiratory protection essential. Yet despite the risks of particles, fumes and vapours, workers can be reluctant to wear respirators.

The facepiece is uncomfortable and hard to get on and off. Breathing is difficult, especially when using negative pressure respirators. Chunky respirators and filters block peripheral vision.

A comprehensive starter solution from 3M™.

The 3M™ 6528QL Respirator Starter Kit offers a simple way for manufacturers to overcome these challenges for their workers and provide effective – and comfortable – protection. The starter kit includes a 3M™ 6500QL Series half face respirator and two pairs of 2128 particle and metal fume filters with a GP2 rating. The respirator is available in small, medium and large sizes for optimum comfort. The kit also includes the 3M™ Respiratory Protection Guide with information on fit checking and correct use, and comes in a handy case ensuring the respirator is stored properly, protecting against damage or contamination.

The benefits of the 6500QL Series respirator.

The 6500QL Series with appropriate filters can help protect workers during welding, drilling, soldering, grinding and polishing, machining and metal pouring.

The benefits of the respirator include:

• Comfort and breathability: The 6500QL Series half face respirator is lightweight and features a cradle head harness with adjustable straps to enhance fit and comfort. The resilient silicone facepiece is designed for comfort, durability and stability with a firm, lightly-textured face seal. The 3M™ Cool Flow™ Valve allows for effective removal of heat and moisture build-up, making the respirator cooler to wear, while the 3M™ high-performance particulate filter media also offers lower breathing resistance. The valve cover design directs exhaled air away from eyewear.
• Ease of use: The respirator has a quick-latch mechanism which makes it easier to take the facepiece on and off. There’s also no need to remove additional PPE like hard hats or face shields when lowering or raising the facepiece. This means workers can more easily communicate after moving from hazardous into non-hazardous environments.
• Clear vision: The low-profile design of the respirator facepiece offers a wide field of view and compatibility with welding and grinding shields. The bayonet filter is also slim and swept back, so it doesn’t impede vision.

Achieving optimum fit and protection.

Respirators have to fit correctly in order to offer protection. The rugged silicone facepiece on the 6500QL Series respirator allows workers to achieve a proper seal when fitted and used correctly.

The 3M™ Bayonet Connection System ensures precise and secure locking of the filter, which offers protection against a wide range of dusts, mists, fumes and other particulates. The activated carbon layer is suitable for ozone up to 10 times the WES for up to eight hours, and nuisance levels of organic vapour. The filters are easy to change when workers notice unacceptable breathing resistance, indicating a clogged filter, or it reaches the end of its service life.

Why it matters?

Mark Reggers, Certified Occupational Hygienist/Senior Application Engineer for 3M, says the kit is an ideal solution.

“The starter kit is a convenient way to provide critical respiratory protection to workers, with the added bonus of proper storage when the respirator and filters aren’t in use.”

Available at Blackwoods – Your safety equipment partner.

As Australia’s largest provider of industrial and safety equipment, Blackwoods has all your job requirements covered. Check out the full range of 3M respirators on site and get support from a Blackwoods technical safety specialist on fit testing and respirator recommendations.

3M Small Welding Respirator Kit

3M Medium Welding Respirator Kit

3M Large Welding Respirator Kit

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