3M takes the weight off welders with upgraded Powered Air Respirator

Welders can now feel even more comfortable whilst remaining fully protected as the Personal Safety Division of diversified technology company 3M has upgraded the Adflo Powered Air Respirator by introducing a new battery, making the whole system around 17 per cent lighter.

The current NiMH batteries in the Adflo Powered Air Respirator from 3M have been replaced with Lithium Ion batteries which are 40 per cent lighter and provide a significant weight saving overall.

3M recognises that there are a number of contributing factors to making the welding experience a safe yet comfortable one. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays an integral role in keeping the welder protected from exposure to airborne particles such as welding fume, which can cause long term health effects. As PPE is often worn for long periods of time by welders, compliance can be an issue and if they do not wear suitable safety equipment or remove items even for a short amount of time, it can have a dramatic
effect.

A study investigating Occupational Asthma[1] suggests that a typical stainless steel welder may accumulate 22.4 years of exposure to varying degrees of harmful particles/fumes throughout his working life. Of the 34 Occupational Asthma patients studied only two were considered able to continue welding.

3M is backed by 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing welding eye and face protection, and the Adflo Powered Respirator and branded Speedglas B Welding Helmets are both leading brands in the marketplace.

Robert Brill, technical engineer from the Personal Safety Division of 3M explains: “It is important that as an innovator and advocate for PPE compliance we are developing products that welders are more inclined to wear in order to protect themselves from harmful respiratory diseases”.

He added, “We have made these updates to the Adflo Powered Air Respirator on the basis that a lighter product is more likely to be comfortable, especially over a long period of time. By being comfortable, our aim is that welders stay protected, as well as being happier in their environment, which could lead to other benefits such
as an increase in productivity or efficiency.”

An additional feature of the upgrade is the new matt black filter cover, designed to give a slimmer and neater finish.