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personal rspiratory protection was dominated by the Racal/3M Airlite Powered Respirator, but this was summarily withdrawn by the manufacturers several years ago and we are not even able to obtain spares any longer - nothing at all!.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 & PowerCap Lite IP and, because we always like to offer you choice, the Trend Airshield Pro.

The JSP 'PowerCap IP' respirators offers many advantages over their competitors such as an unrivalled low head weight of 440g for the Lite version and only  515g for the standard version, superior balance, a high impact protection ('IP') visor (to EN166) - not to mention an affordable 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.

Where the standard and new Lite versions differ - very significantly - is in their battery technology.  The Lite version does away with trailing battery leads, belt mounted batteries and the ever-present danger of cable snagging and replaces this with a pair of ultra-compact Lithium Ion batteries integral to the unit - actually built into the bump cap.  These batteries, as used on mobile telephones, still provide a full eight hours of fresh, clean air at a rate of 160 litres/minute and are easily re-charged overnight using the supplied battery charger.  This change in battery technology means that the Lite version has a lower head weight with batteries installed than does the standard version with the batteries mounted in the waist pack by a staggering 15%!  Amazing but true.  The other features of the PowerCap Lite mirror those of the standard version, without compromise, and the accessories are common to both.

The standard PowerCap employs a belt mounted battery, connected to the headset by a self-retracting "curly lead". As standard, this '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. The standard PowerCap IP not only has a lower head weight than its competitors but the whole balance of the device on the head is much improved over most 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 520-580mm, Hat size 6³/₈ " to 7¹/₄"

 The latest in the Trend lineup of respirators is the stylish AirshieldPro, pictured here.  Compared to its predecessor, the new product offers enhanced filtering capacity, lighter weight thanks to new battery technology, double the battery life and a simpler filter arrangement, but it retains the features which made it a favourite in workshops for many years - the flip-up visor, freedom from external battery packs and an easily replaceable visor. 

The system is supplied ready to use (once the battery is charged) and the standard package includes: the respirator, as illustrated; an 8 hour battery; a UK 220/240 volt battery charger; a pair of THP2 file dust filters; an airflow indicator for testing battery and filter status; a clear visor overlay and a soft storage bag.

The full spec of the Trend Airshield Pro is as follows:-

• Minimum Airflow:  160 litres/minute
• Airflow, fully charged:  200 litres/minute
• Headband size (head circumference):  520 mm - 620 mm
• Motor noise level:  72 dB
• Battery working time (fully charged):  8 hours
• Weight in working order, approx:  995 g
• Charger supply voltage:  230 volt, single phase
• Charger pin configuration:  UK standard 3-pin.
• Eye protection rating:  BS EN 166 (low energy impact)
• Respiratory protection (NPF50):  to BS EN 12941 THP2

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

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