Metal working safety

[NewfieDan]

I work as a safety advisor. On our projects we are required by OHS here in Canada to not only wear the respirators but to also have a regular schedule for changing the cartridges. This has been directed by our provincial regulatory body. Just before the Holiday break we were paid a visit by OHS, they found a welder that was not clean shave under the respirator. He was sent home for 3 days without pay.

As to your concern about heat and comfort, put it this way. Which is least comfortable, a respirator now, or an oxygen tank later in life? I am not a welder but have had to wear them in live processing plants in everything from -20*F to 120*F. The heat excuse to me is not valid. If a respirator fits properly the breath exhaled will go through the exhalation valve, not around the mask itself.

I have also seen a self ventilating welding helmet used. They were Adflo helmets that filtered air and then passed it across the welder's face to eliminate the welding fumes. Many welder's liked them because they had a cooling effect in a hot shop.

There is also full face respirators that combined a welding shield with a respirator allowing you to protect yourself completely from both the fumes and and flying particles from grinding.

Many options are available, just look at 3M and North Safety Products.

 

[Bison]

I guess i been lucky then.
Cutted ,welded, mechaniced ,machined, grinded for 40+ years and counting,.. in a shop and outside, sometimes inside the shop the welding smoke was so thick one could not see the walls.
Never even wore safety glasses nor respirators or helmet or gloves.
The only health thing i have is tinnitus and i got that from a gunshot blast close to my ear 30 years ago.
I always work alone.