Nothing is more important than the health of your employees, which means if you do not have a compliant solution for your paint or blasting operation, you may be exposing them to unnecessary risks. But there are many variables to account for to ensure you have the optimal fresh air system for your operation. The right partner will take a consultative approach to understand your needs and develop the best possible solution.
By keeping your paint and blasting operators safe and healthy on the job, they do not have to be concerned with hearing loss, respiratory attacks, or other health issues. But there also is a business case for having the right fresh air solution for your operation. The right fresh air system for your operation will provide an ROI through:
COMFORT OF THE OPERATOR: Painting and blasting are difficult jobs, so anything that improves the comfort of the operator is going to reduce stoppages and increase productivity.
WORKPLACE CULTURE: Employees appreciate the investment in safety and proper tools, and it is a selling point to job prospects. It will boost retention.
A SAFER AND HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT: A healthy workforce will help manage insurance and medical coverage costs.
COMPLIANCE: Don’t assume every option meets regulatory standards. For example, NIOSH certification is based on system compliance, not individual components. You cannot cobble together any fresh air system.
How to Know if You Need PPE or a Fresh Air System for a Paint Booth
Here at Spray Equipment & Service Center, we have the expertise and experience to help you through the many variables to consider about how to protect your employees, whether you have a relatively simple painting operation or you are blasting or working with sanding, painting and coating. You might need a fresh air system if:
Operators are working in a confined area, such as a closed paint booth
There is the presence of isocyanates, hexavalent chromium, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Overhead protection requires use of a hard hat while you are applying material
Options are Extensive For Your Fresh Air Systems
The range of personal protective equipment (PPE) options is extensive for painting and blasting, as needs vary greatly for operator protection and comfort. The primary levels of PPE and fresh air products are:
DUST MASK: This is cloth fabric, similar to an N95 made popular during the pandemic, with no seal to control air flow. These masks filter out particulates but not VOCs.
HALF-FACE RESPIRATOR: A basic half-face respirator has a tight seal on the operator’s face. Ambient air is pulled in through both cartridges. An exhalation valve opens to allow exhaled air to escape and closes to force inhaled air through the filter. This equipment has limited uses; for example it is meant for shorter uses as opposed to continuous use, and it is not to be used for isocyanate paint (polyurethane). It also requires a clean surface for a proper seal, which means it may not seal properly if the operators have beards or facial hair.
FULL HOOD SUPPLIED AIR RESPIRATOR: These feature a loose-fitting hood for comfort and freedom of movement. It relies on a constant supply of clean air from a compressor, box, or panel that is filtered and contained in a hose. The air flows in and around the operator’s head and neck before exiting through the base of the hood, which provides an opportunity to provide air to the paint suit or blast suit, improving comfort for the operator. Options include a bump cap (head protection), constant flow, climate control and tear-off lenses to easily remove paint overspray.
BLAST HOOD RESPIRATOR: This heavy industry respirator is designed for all forms of abrasive blasting and other industrial applications where there is a need for respiratory, eye, face, head and hearing protection. Blast hoods feature head protection and an extra length nylon cape. They are loose fitting with a breathing tube and climate control.
Key Considerations For Determining Your Optimal Fresh Air Solution
You face many considerations for selecting a fresh air solution, but it does not have to be a daunting decision. The experts here at Spray Equipment & Service Center understand what’s best for your employees’ health, the nuances of possible solutions, and what fits within your budget. For example, they know how heavy a blast suit is and what impact it can have on operators, and what that means in regard to comfort and productivity.
You should be looking at:
WORKING CLIMATE: If your painters are working inside in a controlled environment, a constant flow of air at room temperature may suffice for your fresh air system. But if they are in harsh conditions, you will need a climate control device. The C40 Climate Control Device can cool incoming air by up to 52°F or heat it by up to 33°F.
MOBILITY: A stationary unit can have a fresh air system mounted to a booth, whereas the need for operators to be mobile within a facility or on a worksite requires a different setup. The degree of mobility required will dictate options, which might include a portable or customizable powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).
NUMBER OF OPERATORS: Your ideal solution will vary if you need a setup for one operator or up to eight operators.
YOUR BUDGET: Our suppliers have a range of options, from entry level to top of the line solutions. Give us a call at 866-953-0526 or contact us to find the right solutions for your operation.
With Spray Equipment & Service Center for Your Fresh Air Solution
We can help you determine the right solution for your fresh air system. We also provide qualified technical support after the purchase and provide added value through:
ADVICE: Our experience, expertise, and approach work for you at every stage
SUPPLY: We have the right equipment and parts
SERVICE: We are just a phone call away (866-953-0526).