Top 7 Best Respirator For Metal Grinding (2020 Review)

When it comes to the process of grinding metal, several aspects must be considered. One of the most important of those aspects is your health. This is why deciding to use a respirator is ideal. A respirator makes sure that you are not breathing in harmful materials or fumes from metal that you are grinding. It essentially acts as a barrier between you and those particles and prevents them from getting into your lungs. This article will discuss the best options for respirators and help you pick one that suits your needs.

Types of Respirators

Respirators are divided into two different classes. There are air-purifying respirators and supplied air respirators. Air-purifying respirators (APRs) remove contaminants from the air you breathe. Some do this by filtering out harmful contaminants before you breathe while others purify the air by absorbing vapors and gasses with the use of a cartridge or other type of filter. However, supplied air respirators supply air from a tank instead of purifying the air from the workspace before you breath. Air-purifying respirators are also divided up into four classes.

Classes of Air-Purifying Respirators

1. Particulate respirators
• Also called dust, fume, or mist respirators
2. Chemical cartridge respirators
• Have chemical cartridges
• Have dust pre filter
• protects against various containments in the air
3. Gas Masks
• More absorbent than cartridges
• Higher level of protection
4. Power air-purifying respirators (PAPRs)

Classes of Supplied Respirators

1. Self-Contained breathing apparatus
2. Airline supplied air respirators
3. Protective suits that cover the body

The four face styles of respirators

1. Mouth Bit Respirator

This option fits into the mouth and comes with a nose clip in order to hold the nose closed.

2. Quarter mask

The quarter mask respirator covers the entire nose and mouth in order to protect you from any harmful materials or odors. This one is used in various circumstances so it’s a more common choice rather than the mouth bit respirator.

3. Half-face mask

This choice protects the entire bottom half of your face as opposed to only your mouth and nose. This is generally more protection than you would need in most situations, but it’s still useful.

4. Full Facepiece

As the name suggests, this option protects your entire face. This is useful if you are working with chemicals that not only smell but could also irritate your eyes.

Respirator For Metal Grinding – Buying Guide

There are many things that you should look for when it comes to purchasing a respirator for metal grinding. This is because there are so many options out there and not all of them are good for metal grinding. This guide will help you know what to look for and what to avoid.

What are the best types for metal grinding?

1. Must be at least a half-mask

There are different sizes of respirators on the market, but it is suggested that you at least use a half-mask option when metal grinding. This is because not only do most of these have some sort of filter, but also because they protect more of your face from sparks than masks that only cover your mouth and nose.

2. Look for comfort

This may seem unimportant, but many respirators are uncomfortable to wear. This matters because most people are willing to take their masks off while working if they feel discomfort. While removing your respirator when taking breaks from work is okay, removing it while working is not safe and a comfortable mask would eliminate the need to try and remove it. Also, an uncomfortable mask could lead to mistakes while working due to the distraction of having to fidget with your respirator.

3. Material matters

It is important to look for an option that is made from sturdy material. Silicon is a great option because not only will it not become damaged as easily as other materials, but it’s also comfortable on the skin. The type of material also matters because some of the materials out there could allow for particles to get inside your mask.

Things to avoid

1. None FDA approved d respirators

Believe it or not, there are respirators on the market that have not passed FDA testing. It is best to avoid these because many options, like the AFDLT Labor Protection gas mask, have satisfied the standards set by the FDA, which means they will protect you from harmful elements.

2. Look over functionality

There are many respirators on the market that are aimed more at individuals who want a cool face mask. This can be tempting because individuals assume that all respirators work the same, but if the packaging can’t tell you what it protects from and it doesn’t seem sturdy, you shouldn’t buy it. There are many respirators that both look cool and work well, but many of them do not.

3. Cheap prices

This does not mean that you need to break the bank on a new respirator, but remember that this is essential equipment, which means that you are going to spend a decent amount of money. If you pick a super cheap respirator you may save money, but you also may endanger yourself to the chemicals or flames from metal grinding.

Brands to consider for metal grinding respirators

1. AFDLT Labor
2. North Safety
3. Cuawan
4. WGIRL

If you want to know when to use each style of respirator, watch this video

Best Respirator For Metal Grinding

Conclusion

Buying a respirator for any other purpose can be a daunting task. There are many products on the market, but not all of them will give you the comfort and protection you need. When buying a respirator, you should look at how sturdy it is, the material it’s made from, as well as how long it will last in comparison to the cost. Most options will be fine for metal grinding because that activity is not considered to be intense, but it is still important to research.