Woodworkers in all disciplines are becoming increasingly aware of the risks implicit in breathing dust-laden air.  Some may say that this is because we aren't as tough as our predecessors, but this is a simplistic and wilfully dangerous avoidance of the facts.  Modern woodworking methods - especially using power tools - create far more dust, of a smaller particle size, than the techniques used by previous generations.  Routing, sanding, planing and sawing equipment all produce large volumes of airborne particles.  Turning dry timber and any lathe sanding does the same.

Having a chip extractor is an excellent idea, but most of those machines are designed to remove only the larger particles from the atmosphere, as their name implies.  We all tend to call such devices 'dust-extractors' but that is not their true function.  Indeed, if the chip extractor is sited in the workshop and vents its air back into the workshop atmosphere it is probably a major source of the sub-micron size particles which are the main causes of respiratory irritations, infections - and cancers.

One of the very best of the solutions available to combat this significant hazard is a personal dust mask or, preferably, a powered respirator.  Having used such devices for many years, we have selected proven and effective products from major manufacturers which are designed to protect your health.

Once upon a time workshop personal rspiratory protection was dominated by the Racal/3M Airlite Powered Respirator, but this was summarily withdrawn by the manufacturers several years ago and we are not even able to obtain spares any longer - nothing at all!. Happily, other companies produce excellent personal protection equipment too and we are pleased to bring to you, the JSP PowerCap IP and, because we always like to offer you choice, the Trend Airshield.

This new JSP 'PowerCap IP' respirator offers many advantages over its competitors  Its unrivalled low weight of 300g, superior balance, its high impact protection ('IP') visor (to EN166) - not to mention an economical price. Being constructed around  a bump cap, it really does make the whole assembly more comfortable for longer periods of wear. The two externally mounted filters are also very easy to remove and replace with a simple twist of the wrist. As with the Airlite, there is a belt mounted battery, reducing the weight in the head assembly, connected to the headset by a manageable self-retracting "curly lead". As standard, the 'Cap' comes with a rechargeable 8 hour battery pack, but we can also supply a supplementary battery case which will take 4 size C dry cells (available from any hardware store) should recharging be a problem. Because the PowerCap IP does not have a battery built into the head unit, it not only has a low weight but the whole balance of the device on the head is much improved over other types of personal respirator.  The narrow visor gives excellent visibility whilst the absence of a bottom "frame" eliminates the annoying habit, found with other designs of respirator, of being knocked up off the head as you drop your chin to see the work! The soft face surround fits comfortably over prescription glasses in normal frames and, because the visor area is slightly pressurised, facial hair does not impair the operation of the unit (refer to photo!).

The PowerCap IP provides respiratory protection to EN12491:1988 TH1P; the bump cap gives head protection to EN812 and the visor gives the all-important impact protection to EN.166.B.1.  It is supplied with the complete respirator assembly, an eight-hour battery plus charger (appropriate to the location voltage and electrical outlet style), two filters, a flow-rate meter, instructions and is packed in a rigid plastic storage box. 

(NB:  Do not confuse this unit with an apparently lower-cost "look-alike" we have seen advertised, which does not include the eight-hour battery nor the charger (uses dry batteries only - an expensive option!) and does not have the impact-resistant visor - a must for woodturning, routing and other machine-based workshop operation, nor does it have the bump cap inner support shell.  So .... not quite the same thing at all!!)

As you well know, we recognise the need for quality respiration equipment and we would not supply this item to you if we would not be happy using it ourselves: in fact we do use it ourselves!

Product Sizing:  T he Powercap, unlike other respirators, is available to suit different head/hat sizes.  For most adults the standard PowerCap is quite satisfactory, but children and smaller adults may find the "small" PowerCap more comfortable.  Sizes are as follows:

• Standard:  Head circumference 580-620mm, Hat size 7¹/₄" to 7³/₄ "
• Small:  Head circumference 580-620mm, Hat size 6³/₈ " to 7¹/₄"

 The Trend Airshield is no longer current but we can still supply spares as listed, below. 

Trend will be releasing a new respirator product shortly and we will feature that here a soon as it is available.  The new prodiuct has an excellent specification.

The recently-withdrawn Airshield, shown left, provides respiratory protection to EN12491:1988 THP2 and the visor is impact rated rated to EN.166.F.1.  The unit is delivered with a set of filters (1 pre-filter; 1 fine filter), 4-hour battery and charger (can be upgraded for 8-hour use by purchasing an additional battery and charger, as listed, below), an airflow indicator, clear visor overlay, instructions and a carry bag.

Unlike the Powered Respirators, above, the model 8822 respirator is a passive device - a face mask - but one which still provides a high level of protection from the type of hazards most frequently found in woodworking operations.

Because it incorporates a valve, this mask is much less fatiguing to wear than the 'conventional' fabric-filter type mask, yet it is economic enough to be used as a workshop standby for visitors, trainees and students.  For a those not prepared, or able, to invest in a mask system such as the Airlite (see above), this mask offers fully approved protection and could save your life - or at least extend it.

The 3M model 8822 conforms to the internationally-recognised EN149 FFP2S standards to give protection up to 12 x OEL. (Occupational Exposure Limit)

A word of warning: these masks rely on producing a good seal between the edge of the mask and the wearer's face.  This is not possible to achieve if facial hair (e.g.: a beard) is interposed between the mask and the skin, hence these masks cannot be recommended for use by wearers with facial hair.  Bearded woodworkers are advised to use a full face mask system such as the Airlite, above.

©1997-2006 P. Hemsley.  The information on this website is the copyright property of Peter Hemsley. 
Coeur du Bois and The ToolPost are trading styles of Peter Hemsley.  Whilst reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, no liability can be accepted for errors in this information nor for contingencies arising therefrom.  If you are inexperienced in any aspect of woodworking, we would strongly counsel that you take a course of formal instruction before commencing to practice