What is produced when welding
Welding fume consists of very fine particles formed when metal vaporises and cools. What is in it depends on the material, the filler and the process. TRGS 528 names, among others, chromium(VI) compounds, nickel, cobalt, manganese and nitrogen oxides to be considered in the risk assessment. So besides particles, gases can occur as well.
Extraction at the point of origin comes first. Under the German Hazardous Substances Ordinance technical measures come before personal respiratory protection. TRGS 528 applies to welding work on metallic materials.
P3 against welding fume
Against fume, that is solid particles, a particle filter protects. AirGuard Pro offers only P3, the highest retention level. On the half mask AG360 P3 is permitted up to 30 times the workplace exposure limit under DGUV Rule 112-190, on the full-face mask AG700 up to 400 times. Matching filters: AGP3R1 and AGP3R2 on the bayonet, AGP3R on the RD40 thread of the full-face mask.
| Device | Up to | In the AirGuard Pro range |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering half mask FFP1Disposable respirator 6100 | 4 × limit value | Disposable respirator 6100 |
| Filtering half mask FFP2Disposable respirators 6201, 6203 | 10 × limit value | Disposable respirators 6201, 6203 |
| Filtering half mask FFP3Disposable respirators 6311, 6311C, 6312 | 30 × limit value | Disposable respirators 6311, 6311C, 6312 |
| Half mask with particle filter P1Alternative: AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 (P3, up to 30 × limit value) | 4 × limit value | Alternative: AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 (P3, up to 30 × limit value) |
| Half mask with particle filter P2Alternative: AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 (P3, up to 30 × limit value) | 10 × limit value | Alternative: AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 (P3, up to 30 × limit value) |
| Half mask with particle filter P3AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 | 30 × limit value | AG360 with AGP3R1 or AGP3R2 |
| Full-face mask with particle filter P1Alternative: AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R (P3, up to 400 × limit value) | 4 × limit value | Alternative: AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R (P3, up to 400 × limit value) |
| Full-face mask with particle filter P2Alternative: AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R (P3, up to 400 × limit value) | 15 × limit value | Alternative: AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R (P3, up to 400 × limit value) |
| Full-face mask with particle filter P3AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R | 400 × limit value | AG700 with AGP3R1, AGP3R2 or AGP3R |
| Half mask with gas filterAG360 with gas or combination filter (bayonet) | 30 × limit value | AG360 with gas or combination filter (bayonet) |
| Full-face mask with gas filterAG700 with gas or combination filter | 400 × limit value | AG700 with gas or combination filter |
Gases: the limit of the particle filter
A particle filter does not hold back gases. For processes and materials that produce nitrogen oxides or other gases, P3 alone is not enough. The AirGuard Pro range has no filters for nitrous gases (NO-P3) and carbon monoxide. In such cases the risk assessment with the occupational safety specialist decides on the suitable device.
Sparks, spatter and open flame
- A filter replaces neither eye nor face protection. When welding the welding helmet belongs with it, the full-face mask AG700 additionally protects eyes and face.
- The instructions for use of the gas filter AGABEK2 warn against use during work with open flame or liquid metal droplets because filters with activated carbon can ignite. Read the instructions of the filter before using gas filters when welding.
Filter and fit
Change particle filters according to the instructions for use of the respective filter. The face seal decides the protection: a beard or sideburns in the sealing area prevent it, as described in Face seal and beards. More on changing under Changing filters.
If you know material and process and the concentration is known, the respirator finder leads to the matching combination.
Frequently asked questions
Which filter class is needed when welding?
Against welding fume a particle filter, with AirGuard Pro P3. On the half mask P3 is permitted up to 30 times the workplace exposure limit. Gases need their own assessment.
Is an FFP2 mask enough for welding?
That depends on the material and the concentration. FFP2 is permitted up to 10 times the limit value, FFP3 up to 30 times. With chromium(VI) and nickel we recommend the assessment with the occupational safety specialist.
Does a P3 filter protect against welding gases?
No. A particle filter holds back only solid particles. The AirGuard Pro range has no filter against nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
Do I need a full-face mask for welding?
Only if eyes and face are to be protected or the concentration is above 30 times the limit value. The welding helmet remains necessary in any case.
