Welding Fume Protection for Fabrication
Welding Fume Protection for Fabrication
HSE-compliant respiratory protection for steel fabricators, metal workers, and welding contractors. TH3 powered air solutions that protect your team and keep you compliant.
HSE Welding Fume Requirements Have Changed
Since 2019, the HSE has classified all welding fume as carcinogenic to humans. Employers must now provide effective exposure controls — including appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) — for all welding operations, not just stainless steel or specific processes. Relying on general ventilation alone is no longer acceptable.
The Challenge for Fabrication Shops
High Fume Exposure Environments
Fabrication shops generate significant welding fume from MIG, TIG, MMA, and flux-cored processes. Multiple welders working simultaneously creates cumulative exposure that LEV alone can’t always control.
HSE Compliance Pressure
HSE inspectors are actively targeting welding fume exposure. Improvement notices and enforcement action can halt production and damage your reputation with clients.
Mixed Welding & Grinding Tasks
Fabricators constantly switch between welding and grinding. RPE needs to protect during both — without slowing down your workflow or requiring constant equipment changes.
Long Shift Comfort
Welders won’t wear uncomfortable equipment consistently. Tight-fitting masks cause fatigue over 8+ hour shifts, leading to poor compliance and exposure gaps.
What HSE Expects from Fabrication Employers
- Control exposure to welding fume using LEV (local exhaust ventilation) as the primary measure
- Provide suitable RPE where LEV alone cannot adequately control exposure
- Ensure RPE provides adequate protection — disposable masks are rarely sufficient for welding
- Select RPE that achieves the required Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for the exposure level
- Ensure welders are face-fit tested for tight-fitting RPE, or use loose-fitting powered air alternatives
- Maintain and inspect RPE regularly, keeping records of maintenance
- Provide health surveillance for workers exposed to welding fume
The Solution: TH3 Powered Air Respiratory Protection
Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) with TH3 protection class deliver a continuous supply of filtered air to the welder, providing the highest level of respiratory protection available from air-purifying equipment.
TH3 / NPF 500 Protection
Nominal Protection Factor of up to 500 means the concentration of fume inside the helmet is up to 500 times lower than outside — far exceeding disposable mask protection levels.
No Face-Fit Testing Required
Loose-fitting powered air helmets don’t require face-fit testing, making deployment simpler and eliminating fit issues caused by facial hair or face shapes.
Cool, Comfortable Airflow
Continuous filtered airflow keeps welders cool and comfortable during long shifts, dramatically improving compliance compared to tight-fitting alternatives.
Weld, Grind & Inspect — One Helmet
Flip-up visor designs let welders transition seamlessly between welding, grinding, and inspection without removing their respiratory protection.
3M Speedglas G5-01VC with Adflo PAPR System
The industry-leading choice for fabrication professionals. Combines 3M’s renowned Speedglas welding helmet technology with the Adflo powered air system for complete welding fume protection.
From £1,149.00 inc. VAT — competitively priced in the UK with fast delivery and VAT invoices.
View Full Product Details Request a QuoteWhy Fabricators Choose the Speedglas G5-01VC
Built for Heavy-Duty Use
The G5-01 helmet is designed for demanding fabrication environments — robust construction, excellent impact protection, and a low-profile design for working in confined spaces.
Excellent Visibility
Large curved viewing area (73 x 109mm) with Natural Colour Technology provides clear, accurate colour recognition for precise weld quality.
All-Day Comfort
Adjustable airflow (170 or 200 L/min), balanced weight distribution, and customisable headgear mean welders actually wear it consistently — the key to real protection.
Low Ongoing Costs
Heavy-duty battery provides 10-13 hours of use. Replacement filters and consumables are readily available and competitively priced — we stock everything you need.
Quick Compliance Checklist for Fabrication Shops
- Risk Assessment: Have you assessed welding fume exposure for each process/area?
- LEV in Place: Is local exhaust ventilation installed and working effectively where feasible?
- RPE Selected: Where LEV isn’t sufficient, have you selected RPE with adequate APF/NPF?
- Face-Fit Testing: Are tight-fitting masks face-fit tested? (Or consider loose-fitting PAPR instead)
- Training: Are welders trained on correct RPE use, donning/doffing, and maintenance?
- Maintenance Records: Are you keeping records of RPE inspection and maintenance?
- Health Surveillance: Have you arranged health surveillance for exposed workers?
Need help assessing your requirements? Get in touch — we’re happy to advise on the right solution for your shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What protection level do fabrication welders need?
This depends on your exposure assessment, but for most fabrication environments with regular MIG/MMA welding, a TH3 PAPR (APF 40, NPF up to 500) provides excellent protection. Disposable FFP3 masks (APF 20) are often inadequate for sustained welding exposure and require face-fit testing.
Do powered air welding helmets require face-fit testing?
No. Loose-fitting PAPR helmets like the Speedglas G5-01 with Adflo don’t require face-fit testing, which simplifies deployment and eliminates issues with facial hair or varying face shapes.
How long do Adflo filters last?
Filter life depends on your environment. The particulate filter typically lasts several weeks to months in normal fabrication use. Pre-filters extend the main filter life and should be changed when visibly contaminated. We recommend keeping spare filters on hand.
Can we get a trial or demonstration?
We’re happy to discuss your requirements and help you select the right equipment. For larger deployments, contact us to discuss your options. Call 01749 938 160 or email [email protected].
Do you supply replacement parts and consumables?
Yes — we stock the full range of Adflo filters, pre-filters, batteries, face seals, breathing tubes, and spare parts. This means you can source your initial equipment and ongoing consumables from one UK supplier.
