Back ground- We are required to ensure RPE is face fitted, and paper masks are not permitted.

This works fine with hazardous dusts on the plant, but my question is regards the maintenance workshops, with fitters doing tasks , in a grinding bay. What RPE have others recommended.

The current solution is a full face mask with a slim profile particle filter- the manufacture assures us that the face shield of the full face is as robust as a flip down face shield.

That then raises the issue with welders- I would like an air fed face mask, but they don't like them because the normal face shield allows them flip up the welding shield as needed but the air fed one doesn't.
maybe some one has a solution-( or two)-- RPE for grinding and RPE for welders. Breathing air would be available.

Would like a few suggestions- have been asked to present a benchmarking exercise. Tks.

We use - http://solutions.3m.co.u...ceProtection/9100Shield/

Ps. RPE isnt always necessary and certainly should not be the first consideration, it is to coin a phrase, the last resort.

Des

We had fume/dust tests done in the welding area.
The fume was tested IN the welding bay, and IN the welders headshields (no air fed and only face masks)
Failed both. By a mile.
AND had near the limit in the next bay.
That was with LEV in the welding bay.
Welding constructional steel...long rafters etc.
The company had the tests done again in the evening with no welding.
Pass.